So i was doing a cv joint replacement on my integra this weekend and i used a gear/pulley puller like i always do, but this time the lower balljoint that connects to the lower control arm wouldn't budge.

I applied more force but that only caused the lower balljoin stud to start to mushroom or crush. You could see that the holes that hold the cotter pin were starting to flatten out.

I am completely stumped on how to remove it now, i even tried a trick on youtube where you place a a wrech inbetween where the knuckle meets the lower control arm, and step on the knuckle assembly to seperate the two. But no luck.

My question is if i release the knuckle assembly from the UPPER control arm, and the tie rod, can i lean the knuckle assembly forward enough to remove the cv joint?



**Now if i can't do that, i have a replacement knuckle assembly with new ball joint. The problem is i'm afraid that even if i can remove the old knuckle assembly, i won't be able to remove the lower control arm. Or seperate the two from each other.

I was thinking that if i go this route, i could hack through the stud that holds the balljoint to the lower LCA. BUT if i do, i'm afraid that the reason the knuckle wouldn' release is because the stud had rusted into the lower LCA.**

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

I did both of mine recently, and picked up one of those $30 tools at the auto parts store that looks like a thumb (presses on the bolt) and your first two fingers (goes around the boot part of the ball joint. Works great..

Looks like this one: http://www.amazon.com/OTC-6297-Ball-...7502648&sr=8-3

Tried one of those?

Good luck!

 

A Ball joint separator will have it out in seconds, it happens to be one of my favorite special tools in my tool box. They are just so darn cute and cuddly.

 

I've always had luck heating the lower control arm where it goes around the balljoint, being careful not to heat up the boot too much. Then you just give the LCA several good hits with a hammer and it pops free.

 

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

Or just use a pry bar between the LCA and the spindle. I just had to do this last weekend myself.