Unable to separate lower arm from lower ball joint

[marklj]

Tried to replace a really bad right side CV drive shaft on a 88 DX with manual transmission. Following the instructions from http://www.3geez.com/forum/how/28515-replace-drive-axles.html

But I'm stumped as to how to separate the lower arm from the lower ball joint.

The first 2 arm puller from Autozone was too big and I could not get the jaws to stay on and grab the lip. I went back to Autozone and got the next size smaller and it grabs now. But when I crank it down no movement of the lower arm. Eventually the puller began to fold over. The nut is loose and being used as a guide for the center screw on the puller.

Any ideas as to how to complete this? My wife needs the car next week and I can't afford to take it somewhere to have it done. :-(

[A18A]

Whack the side of the control arm hard with a hammer a few times, it will shock it loose. Put the nut back on the ball joint loosely first though, this will save the thread on the ball joint if you slip/miss-aim the hammer and hit the ball joint instead of the arm

[griffs68]

do not take the lower control arm off just knock off the the upper from the knuckle and take the two ten mm bolts out for the brake line plus knock off the other tie rod end and the lower strut mount... simple just a decent hammer a 17mm a 32mm 14mm and 10mm socket...

[Legend_master]

I always use one of these, but may mess up the boot.


http://image.moparmusclemagazine.com/f/30954797/mopp-1107-05-o+c-body-disc-brake-conversion+ball-joint-separator.jpg

[carotman]

There's an easy way:

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

- Jack the wheel knuckle
- Put a socket extension between the lower arm and the knuckle
- Remove the jack
- Kick the knuckle

[Larrenj80]

you could try this....

Easy way to pop Honda Civic Control Arm Ball Joint - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJR77aN-MDk)

I guess I was thinking the same thing as carotman :)

[marklj]

Thanks for the video links! I will try that tomorrow. I'll let everyone know how it works. Seems pretty simple.

[Legend_master]

I've had 50/50 success with that method. I always use the handle end of a ratchet instead of a socket.

[marklj]

Tried placing a SK 3/8 ratchet handle as suggested in the video. Lowered suspension and heard a pop. The ball joint came loose! Still had to use a puller to get it all the way loose. Mission accomplished - New CV axle is in place. My wife and I are happy. Thank for all the responses!

[lostforawhile]

normally i use one of these,all the auto parts stores carry them, it's a pitman arm puller, ive never had one fail,even on junkyard cars, it wont damage the boot http://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/i/spin/image/spin_prod_222881901?hei=315&wid=315&op_sharpen=1&resMode=sharp&op_usm=0.9,0.5,0,0

[gyates93]

I agree here, I always use a puller to separate ball joints and I've never had a problem, won't ruin the boot either if you plan on reusing the joint (trying to get it off to get at something else as in your case. )

If the joint is at all questionable, now's the time to change it though..



normally i use one of these,all the auto parts stores carry them, it's a pitman arm puller, ive never had one fail,even on junkyard cars, it wont damage the boot http://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/i/spin/image/spin_prod_222881901?hei=315&wid=315&op_sharpen=1&resMode=sharp&op_usm=0.9,0.5,0,0

[Ffatlac3]

Hey I just remove the 17mm ball joint nut, put a jack under the outer of the hub (not the disc), wind it up till there's some pressure there and then whack the edge of the bottom arm next to the ball joint with a decent hammer. Pops out a treat..

[ecogabriel]

normally i use one of these,all the auto parts stores carry them, it's a pitman arm puller, ive never had one fail,even on junkyard cars, it wont damage the boot http://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/i/spin/image/spin_prod_222881901?hei=315&wid=315&op_sharpen=1&resMode=sharp&op_usm=0.9,0.5,0,0

It is a nice tool to have especially if it can work on tie rod ends. On the other hand, I have never found a ball joint that would resist hitting the lower arm with a good hammer especially if you can get a good hit and are careful enough to keep the nut loosely on to protect the threads.

[lostforawhile]

It is a nice tool to have especially if it can work on tie rod ends. On the other hand, I have never found a ball joint that would resist hitting the lower arm with a good hammer especially if you can get a good hit and are careful enough to keep the nut loosely on to protect the threads.
These are cheap and will separate every ball joint on the car,as well as the tie rods

[RAZR]

I had the same problem yesterday on my car went to harbor freight and this works WONDERS!!

3/4" Forged Ball Point Joint Separator (http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-forged-ball-point-joint-separator-99849.html)

[Dr_Snooz]

I had the same problem yesterday on my car went to harbor freight and this works WONDERS!!

3/4" Forged Ball Point Joint Separator (http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-forged-ball-point-joint-separator-99849.html)

That's the one I use. It works great.

[RAZR]

That's the one I use. It works great.

Yeah it works amazing!!

[Dr_Snooz]

FWIW, the pickle fork will always, always work. You'll just have to replace the ball joint when you're done. :(