Can i use a ball joint separator, AKA *** infamous pickle-fork (at least amongst us bimmaheads) to push the control arm ball joint out of the steering knuckle? This is on my classic. I have the ES bushings to install this weekend. I will be replacing the ball joint as well so i am not worried bout trashin it.
Did i mention i'm puting on AGXs as well.
Oh yeah, AD22VF brakes too.
Just as soon as i go out and get a compressor and some tools. =D

Nah, you don't want to use a pickle fork, just use a BFH. loosten the nut and strike the control arm and it will pop loose with a couple of hits. Take my advice and take your ball joints to have them pressed in. It's not worth the headache of trying to do them yourself unless you have your own press?

Originally posted by Turbo91SER
It's not worth the headache of trying to do them yourself unless you have your own press? Thanx Jon. Even easier, i have a 3-4lb sledge from a upper front contol (AKA thrust) arm R&R on das Hundschleppen. U need the pickle fork to do those. =P
I was planning to give the front control arms from Teddy to a shop. Do the ball joint and the front bushing. If any of the other ones (front or rear) give me a hard time they'll go in too.
Any other words a wisdom on this project?

Paul

Just take a torch and catch the front control arm bushing on fire and burn the front bushings out, the rear I used a die grinder and cut a slit in it so it would slip off.
If anyone else knows of an easy way, please feel free to speak up now!!!!!!!

Here's a great trick for seperating the ball joint. Scott Higashi sent it to the mailing list a few years ago, and it works like a charm! No smashin, no bashing, no pickle fork ripping the boot.

********************
Here's my own trick to remove the ball joint...

Take a 14mm open end wrench and put the "crow's foot"
between the balljoint nut and the spindle/hub. Basically
straddle the BJ bolt. Then, loosen the BJ nut back against
the wrench to "press" the balljoint out. It'll break free with a bang, but it'll break free!

Works every time, and I've done it a LOT!

-Scott
********************

Chris

Originally posted by chriscar
Here's a great trick for seperating the ball joint. Scott Higashi sent it to the mailing list a few years ago, and it works like a charm! No smashin, no bashing, no pickle fork ripping the boot.

********************
Here's my own trick to remove the ball joint...

Take a 14mm open end wrench and put the "crow's foot"
between the balljoint nut and the spindle/hub. Basically
straddle the BJ bolt. Then, loosen the BJ nut back against
the wrench to "press" the balljoint out. It'll break free with a bang, but it'll break free!

Works every time, and I've done it a LOT!


Scott's method works perfectly... I thought that it wasn't working, then I heard the joint pop and it was free. Too damn easy I must say. Just make sure that you get that ball joint pressed in/out because its a pain in the a$$ if you don't. :)

Jack

What are the consequences of ripping the boot? There's a possiblility I make have ripped mine when I was installing it (I was replacing the old bent one and I was fine till I realized I needed to dissassemble it because I forgot something :( ). I haven't had any problems at all since then but I'm just curious if I should really worry about it.

Jose...