Hi guys,

I'm in the process of replacing my passenger side front knuckle assembly since my lower balljoint that the knuckle pivots on is blown. I've already separated all the other ball joints from the knuckle but the one connecting the tie rod to the knuckle is on there pretty good.

I've tried loosening the nut to the point where most of it is still threaded and tapping it with a sledge hammer but no luck. My buddy came by and used his ball joint separator tool (the one that looks like a fork) and he ruptured the boot! That bolt is still on there and I was hoping anyone of you had done this before?

Thanks

-Rog

 

I usually just hammer the **** out of rod. keep the nut on the bolt somewhat (the nut shouldn't be tightened of course) to prevent you from hitting the threaded part of the stud. Usually a couple strong wacks and it gets loose.

I'm going to use this picture as an example. This a honda front setup, but if its similar to what you're doing then it might help. the arrow is where to hit. try not hitting the boot obviously. usually takes a good amount of force. you're keeping the nut somewhat on incase the hammer slips and hits the threaded part.

 

That was the first thing I tried but it didn't work. Now the nut is pretty smashed up.

 

Get a pickle fork at any autoparts store. It will mess up the boot so you'll have to replace it though.

 

I used the ball joint kit from autozone/adv auto to do my grand prix. It has several different tools that extract rather than force like the fork does. Rental is free just have to put down a dep on a cc.

 

You can use a pitman arm puller.

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/KD-2289.html

Be careful though because you can strip the bolt. Leave the nut on while you use this so that it doesn't happen to you. I learned the hard way on my Accord. Also, I rented this tool at Autozone. Turn slowly and it will come out. Hope that helps.

 

I have used a tie-rod fork (screws up the boot), pittman arm puller (usually doesn't fit) and just beat the hell out of it (usually doesn't work). The best thing I have found is an iron log splitting wedge I bought for $5 at the hardware store. Just loosen the nut,wedge it between the knuckle and the tie rod end and hit it with a large hammer. One or two blows and that sucker is undone. Remember, I said a large (like 5lb ) hammer.

 

Thanks for the response guys! I went and bought a 8 lbs. sledge hammer and that did the trick. Now I have a problem trying to remove the ball seat so I can reuse it on the new balljoint that came with my knuckle.