Changing Control Arms Advice...
03-03-2009, 09:08 AM
#1
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Changing Control Arms Advice...
Ok, changing the control arms and tie-rod ends is on the books this weekend. I've got Bentley in hand and have read the Tech article on the topic. A couple of questions as I gear up:
- If I'm not doing a wheel bearing, do I really need to remove the bearing carrier?
- I've seen reference to the claw style ball-joint separator, but have also been told a "bfh" (aka big ****ing hammer) will do to get the ball joints out. What have been peoples experience? Did find a claw separator locally but it's $80 which seems high for a use once tool. If a separator is a good idea, favorite sources? Would one of those pickle forks be good?
- I'm in the PNW so don't expect rust to be an issue, but still plan on giving the bolts and unions a soak with PB blaster or the like. If I can't find that, recs on a comparable product? Is this needed?
- I've heard pinch bolt is a problem, is it just difficult to slide it out after loosening, or is it because the bolt clamps down the mating area and make the ball joints tough to remove?
That's what I can think of so any input would be appreciated, either on these questions or regarding things I may not have considered.
....and discuss
tia,
dp
- If I'm not doing a wheel bearing, do I really need to remove the bearing carrier?
- I've seen reference to the claw style ball-joint separator, but have also been told a "bfh" (aka big ****ing hammer) will do to get the ball joints out. What have been peoples experience? Did find a claw separator locally but it's $80 which seems high for a use once tool. If a separator is a good idea, favorite sources? Would one of those pickle forks be good?
- I'm in the PNW so don't expect rust to be an issue, but still plan on giving the bolts and unions a soak with PB blaster or the like. If I can't find that, recs on a comparable product? Is this needed?
- I've heard pinch bolt is a problem, is it just difficult to slide it out after loosening, or is it because the bolt clamps down the mating area and make the ball joints tough to remove?
That's what I can think of so any input would be appreciated, either on these questions or regarding things I may not have considered.
....and discuss
tia,
dp
03-03-2009, 10:12 AM
#3
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One BFH, on the way...
..and that's what I was gathering on the pinch bolt. So does the pinch bolt actually engage in the round/inset portion of the ball joints then?
dp
dp
03-03-2009, 10:15 AM
#4
I've never used the BFH method, I have the press tool. It's worth the $$. There isn't a lot of room
to swing a hammer, especially if you don't have a lift.
The pinch bolt does engage the inset portion of the ball stud.
The pinch bolt does engage the inset portion of the ball stud.
03-03-2009, 10:31 AM
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Is this like the press you've used?
<center><img src="http://www.toolsource.com/prod_medium/94185a.jpg"></center><p>In my prep, I figured out that a standard wheel puller will not fit.
Still thinking bfh, but I will be operating on jack stands and thus limited on clearance.
Still thinking bfh, but I will be operating on jack stands and thus limited on clearance.
