Ball joint

[mamilapon]

Guys, I'm having a real hard time separating the ball joint studs from the steering knuckle. I'm in the process of replacing my T/A and C/A bushes. Could anyone tell me what's the best way of getting those bastards out?

[BillionPa]

they are self locking bolts, so they are on tight.

worst case, remove the strut to get clearance so you can use an impact wrench on em.

otherwise, try a breaker bar, and i think the lower part of the joint needs to be secured with a wrench so it doesnt spin freely.

[genphreak]

Guys, I'm having a real hard time separating the ball joint studs from the steering knuckle. I'm in the process of replacing my T/A and C/A bushes. Could anyone tell me what's the best way of getting those bastards out?It's a very tight fit. You can rend on them for hours, break pullers, even put yourself in hospital with little drama.

Whatever you want to do, but they won't want to come off. The good news is, one short sharp hit in the right place, in the right way does it like it was meant to come out instead of being welded in as they had been for hours beforehand.

Bill R has a neat way of taking the strut bottom off arms included and sitting it on sockets of varying sizes so it sits straight- cos you need to be a good aim with your hammer on the control arm bolts.

(search for it- the pics are great)

You won't believe it till you look twice and see it off after a single hit with a 4lb hammer.

It is never worth trying to pop 'em on the car, esp. if rusted/old....

ps oh yes, don't forget to put lots of good penetrating oil in there the night before ;) Nick

[Jon K]

He is having issues with the joint coming out, not the nut.

Anyway - go to Autozone, rent their "bushing press" tool (very big check to make sure its large) and Tie Rod puller tool.

Than do this with them and airgun the bottom till it pops. Very easy.

http://e34.digital7.com/BMW%20Work/DSCN0578.JPG

[genphreak]

He is having issues with the joint coming out, not the nut.

Anyway - go to Autozone, rent their "bushing press" tool (very big check to make sure its large) and Tie Rod puller tool.

Than do this with them and airgun the bottom till it pops. Very easy.Looks easy jon. :) But does Mamilapon have an airgun, or neighbours?

[mamilapon]

Looks easy jon. :) But does Mamilapon have an airgun, or neighbours?
I do not have an air gun so I'll try to search Bill R's instructions on the exact spot to hit it. If it works we shall call it the G Spot!

[mamilapon]

It's a very tight fit. You can rend on them for hours, break pullers, even put yourself in hospital with little drama.

Whatever you want to do, but they won't want to come off. The good news is, one short sharp hit in the right place, in the right way does it like it was meant to come out instead of being welded in as they had been for hours beforehand.

Bill R has a neat way of taking the strut bottom off arms included and sitting it on sockets of varying sizes so it sits straight- cos you need to be a good aim with your hammer on the control arm bolts.

(search for it- the pics are great)

You won't believe it till you look twice and see it off after a single hit with a 4lb hammer.

It is never worth trying to pop 'em on the car, esp. if rusted/old....

ps oh yes, don't forget to put lots of good penetrating oil in there the night before ;) Nick
Thanks mate I'll start doing a search.

[632 Regal]

I bought something similar to this one on the bay, the one I got has an indent area on the arm to hold the arm from sliding off the stud, think the part number was 1917, similar to this 1915:

http://i7.ebayimg.com/02/i/03/81/ba/6b_1_b.JPG

worked unbelievably well...

[Bill R.]

suspension archive, here
(http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=19196)




Thanks mate I'll start doing a search.

[mamilapon]

suspension archive, here
(http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=19196)
Much appreciated guys.