How do you remove the LOWER BALL JOINT ??????????????
I am refering to the lower ball joint that is located behind the front brake rotor on the bottom of the HUB, it has a castle nut on it with a cotter pin that goes through it.
I tried beating it off with a hammer but no budge. What's the secret? I haven't been able to drive her since last Thursday.

 

Are you replacing the ball joint, or trying to seperate the knuckle and LCA?

 

I am trying to remove the lowerball joint.
Here is what I am trying to remove...

 

Still need to clarify... if you are trying to just get the spindle/hub/balljoint seperated from the lower control arm, then here's what to do.

Pull the cotter pin, and loosen the castlated nut. leave the nut threaded on just alittle, just to protect the threads.
Now hammer the SIDE of the LCA. There are little high spots on either side of lca in the balljoint area. This is where you are supposed to hit it. Do not hammer on the balljoint, which would damage the threads. I don't use 'pickle forks' either as they can damage the boots.

The ball joint shank is tappered, and the impact on the surrounding lca will pop the joint loose. (this is the same technique for most ball joints and outer tie rod ends)


NOW... if you already have the spindle/hub off the car, and are trying to press the ball joint out of it to replace it, that's a different issue.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ProfessorNate &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">NOW... if you already have the spindle/hub off the car, and are trying to press the ball joint out of it to replace it, that's a different issue.

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I think he's made it clear that this is what he's talking about... professor...

 

There is a ball joint removal tool available, or it has to be pressed in/out.

 

Take the knuckle ring off the back of the knuckle first, otherwise the ball joint won't be able to come all teh way up.

I've hammered it up and out before with a small sledgehammer with the knuckle still on the car, using only a jackstand for support.

If it really comes down to the last nerve, remove the entire knuckle assy and take it to a machine shop to press it out.

 

do not use a pickle fork unless replacing the ball joint, they break the seal pretty easy..... if you tried using a hammer already ,,,, use a bigger one!!!!!

 

I was able to get the one side seperated on my car but not the other side.. I beat on it with a 3lb sledge for a good 3+ minutes from all different angles. The only way it would have come off would have been with a puller so I had just dropped the arm(was replacing axle only). So you might need a ball joint puller if it doesn't separate. Mine was being a bitch

 

Try a search. This has been covered numerous times, covering every possible way to do this.

 

I always use a pickle fork just make sure it isn't on the threads....then the bolt won't be damaged...

 

I've beat on mine for a half hour before finding an incredibly easy way to bust it loose.

Remove the cotterpin and castle nut.
Raise the suspension by hand or a jack.
Place a wrench between the LCA and Spindle, an 8" adjustable laying vertically works well... keep it clear of the boot.
Push/kick the spindle down
The "pop" sound means you can smile.