the steering knuckle has to be separated from the axle in order to remove the balljoint, correct?

 

no. Just pop the joint from the LCA, swing the knuckle to the side, and with a ball joint remover, you can squeeze it right out

 

i dont see how i can fit a press in between the axle and the balljoint though, the cv joint gets in the way

 

I've used one that fit in there, but I usually pop the axle out anyways, make it much easier!

 

even if i can fit a press there though, there isnt enough space between the knuckle and the axle to remove the balljoint, since it comes out towards the axle, not away from it, correct?

 

yes, the ball joint is pushed towards the axle, up. Sorry about the other answer, I was a little tipsy and kind of made things up. But I have always had the axle removed when pressing out the ball joints. Make sure you remove the c-clip also

 

You can use an air hammer with a blunt tip placed in the area of the ball joint. Make sure you remove the clip as stated above.

You must use a press/ball joint installer to reinstall them though, so you mine aswell take the knuckle out, its really easy anyway.

-s

 

I finally got the steering knuckle out, but the press i got from autozone is too big to fit, so i'll be taking the knuckle to a mechanic tomorrow to replace the balljoint. First thought, i want to find out if the balljoint really is busted - is there any way to tell? both the lower and upper balljoints seem similar and loose, and the new balljoint seems really tight...

 

The way to tell is when the sterring knuckle is still on the car, and taking a pry bar and pprying between the inside of the wheel and the nut of the ball joint and see if there is any play.

-s

 

well, it's too late for that. i changed the balljoint and it didnt help. any other reason i could be hearing a popping sound and feeling the suspension give under stress?