00 civic ex

so I'm trying to replace the front lower control arm bushings and I'm good to go with everything....but the lower ball joint.

I cannot get the arm to separate from the lower ball joint. I'm trying to use one of those ball joint separators and I tore the boot(i have energy suspension ball joint boots for backup).

Should I just keep messing with the ball joint separator or what? Please help

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISY8bGof3bQ

works with a 1/2" or 3/8" craftsman ratchet.

 

See above, which I could never get to work for me.

Or, put as much pressure as you can with the press, get out the hammer and whack the side of the control arm at the ball joint.

Put some anti seize on the ball joint shaft when you put it back together and it will come off easy next time.

 

The above method works everytime for me.

 

The method using a 1/2" drive ratchet works all the time if you know what you are doing. Me and my buddies use it all the time on numerous applications and it always works

We call it "the honda-tech special", LOL

 

Always works for me with a 1/2" ratchet handle, and the spring/shock still installed. It pops out by itself, no jumping or smacking the knuckle required.

It will not work with a 3/8" ratchet handle, as it's too small.

 

The wetoddid method works everytime. I googled it and found a video a while back. Search on here for "wetoddid" and it should come up. Works like the bomb diggity!

Good luck!

 

must be for DA's then because i couldn't get my 1/2" ratchet in there but the 3/8" fit just snug.

 

Hmm...looks like a sure thing. I will try this on mine.

 

I know that this is a 2.5yr old thread but many thanks mate for this!

 

i dont fully understand what they are doing in the video but ill try it

(just tried this, worked like a charm)\
this should be a stocky or in dyi guides somewhere cause "hit it with pb blaster 30 minutes before you work on it" does not always work

 

One time I had a balljoint so bad it simply would not separate no matter what I tired. So I had to take a cutting wheel and cut in between the lca and ball joint. I of course was intending to replace both anyways so it wasent an issue but I saw when it was all off that they literally fused together...... Hmm lol

 

The we-todd method is the way to go on these cars at least. Other than that, the 2BFH method works great. Pickle forks are just a waste of time and usually end up ripping the ball joint boot.

 

Ive got one of those ball joint seperators that have the bolt and two arms to pop them apart. It works but I just hate that feeling just before it pops. Always think im gonna get wacked by it

 

Glad I'm not just being paranoid. I use the same tool and I alway feel like I am going to get nailed.

 

I started using a breaker bar just so I can stand as far away from it as possible. I swear one day im gonna go pop the tie rod and its gonna hit me in the face.

Id rather jump on a cobbled together extended breaker bar to remove pulley bolts and axle nuts then have my face anywhere near that damn ball joint seperator. But it works so I use it

 

I'm replacing my clutch and can't get my ball joints out... The whole bolt moves so I can't get the nut off... Tried pb and heat... Any other ideas before I cut them up?

 

Impact gun them off. I had one do that on my old knuckles. Impact gun knocked it loose.

 

Yes, impact gun.

Replace the nut or retap the threads on the nut before putting it back on.

 

I would replace the nut and chase the threads on the balljoint. They shouldnt really spin unless you have gnarly threads catching