Anyone know where I can find a pickle fork / ball joint separator locally?
05-13-2008, 05:12 AM
#13
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I use a combination of 2 methods together...
I loosen the ball joint nut, back it out to the end of the thread but don't take it out. Then I use a tool like this
<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21HryB3uSGL._AA160_.jpg">
to put pressure on the joints, so they want to separate. Then a hammer blow to the side of the ball joint (not the tool) will cause shock wave thru the metal, so that it will <i>temporarily</i> deform enough for the joint to drop right out. The deformation is elastic in that it goes right back to its original shape. Minimal damage, if any, to rubber dust boots if you're careful putting the tool on.
<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21HryB3uSGL._AA160_.jpg">
to put pressure on the joints, so they want to separate. Then a hammer blow to the side of the ball joint (not the tool) will cause shock wave thru the metal, so that it will <i>temporarily</i> deform enough for the joint to drop right out. The deformation is elastic in that it goes right back to its original shape. Minimal damage, if any, to rubber dust boots if you're careful putting the tool on.
05-13-2008, 05:24 AM
#14
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Have new control arms w/ ball joints pre-installed, so I'm not worried
about destroying the old ones. Most people seem to be saying about 3-4hrs, so it'll probably be a 6-8hr job for me. Not confident enough in my skills for something like that.
