Ball joint tools

[txSteve]

I need to remove tie rods and center link. I tried using a pickle-fork style ball joint separator but had no luck. Is there a specific style/type of tool to use instead? The shop manual mentions a puller, but I am not familiar with that style of tool.

Thanks

[dmwhiteoak]

I have been told to leave the nut backed off to the top of the threads
And give it a good whack with a hammer. Try that.

[124JOE]

i think it is called a front end tool kit
they rent at autozone and orillys

i did use the pickle fork for mine

[djchan]

One like this is the best. Removes it so it can be reused if needed. No hammering required.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ball-Joint-Tie- ... 3a6c4197b7

[131]

One like this is the best. Removes it so it can be reused if needed. No hammering required.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ball-Joint-Tie- ... 3a6c4197b7

Make sure you buy a quality one, I've seen them made out of Chinese cheese and they snap in two!

[txSteve]

Thanks all for the replies. I have tried the fork already like I mentioned and I did try simply hammering it apart. I am replacing all these links, so totally do not care about salvaging the joints themselves. But neither of those attempts worked.

Just purchased a "Front End Service Set" http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SRH7O. Hopefully that will work.

[txSteve]

Thinking about this some more, given how difficult this has been for removal I am now getting a little nervous about installation. Overall I am replacing the control arms, tie rods and center link; thats a lot of joints! The thing I am curious about is whether there is a press tool I will need to get all these ball joints set correctly or whether proper torquing of the nuts will seat them?

[124JOE]

ya just tighten them up
if they spin put the jack under it then tighten
btw the tierod ends are 12 inches bolt to bolt,both sides

[htchevyii]

I bought one online, but it looks similar to this China Freight one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive ... 99849.html

I've used it several times and it works well and doesn't ruin the boot. All of my pickle forks were too big and I was hitting the centerlink so hard I was afrain of damaging the idler or pitman arm!
As far as tightening them, you can try using something to squeeze the taper in to keep it from spinning, but just using a regular nut works well, (the lock nuts cause the joint to spin). After getting the joint seated remove the srandard nut and install the nylock.

[131]

I put a light smear of antiseize compound on them before installing, it doesn't affect fitment, but does make future dismantling easier.

[txSteve]

On the one side I finally got the ball stud to pop out of the socket (literally spreading the tines of my pickle fork). However, the ball stud is still stuck to the steering knuckle. I have liberally sprayed it with PB but am totally unable to separate those. Any advice there? Just wait for this front end tool set?

[124JOE]

i had an idler that was froze and snaped the mounting tabs off "no sterring"
but i had a spare.it had a center link that i couldnt remove at all.so i took it to
a guy with a tourch,he heated it up and used a bfh "hammer"
to smash it off when red hot

if you cant get it, unbolt the part and did as i did bring it to a torch.

[majicwrench]

USe the tools when you get em. THe one like a gear puler will push that stud out.
Keith

[Sunracer]

USe the tools when you get em. THe one like a gear puler will push that stud out.
Keith

Yep and if the puller is straining to get it done give the link a good whack with the hammer while it is under pressure

[txSteve]

Awesome! That worked like a champ! Thanks everyone.