Ball Joint separation

[64Chevelle]

I can't get the ball joints separated from the control arms. I am using the Howe Ball Joint Separator tool instead of the pickle fork. If I'm using all my strength I can barely turn the top "bolt head" of the tool. I have already slipped the wrench twice while turning and now I am using a slightly smaller wrench (14mm) that I almost have to hammer on the head. This is to avoid another slippage and then destroying the tool.



Now, how can I safely apply more force to the separator tool? I don't think a longer 14mm wrench is available in the hardware stores around here, if so, that would be an option of course. Can I somehow extend the wrench I'm using to create a greater force?

In the attached picture, I am trying to separate the UCA ball joint...

I really want to avoid the pickle fork...

Ideas?

[69LT1Nova]

Obvious question first... are you supporting the lower control arm with a jack or jack stand? If so, take that out! Use the pressure of the spring to separate the joints. You'll need to thread back on the castle nuts (not tight, just on there) to keep the assembly from flying apart.

Speaking of spring pressure - safety first - wrap a length of chain around your spring to the lower control arm to keep it from flying when the ball joints release.

Also, yes, you can extend the wrench you are using by slipping a piece of pipe over the end to create leverage.

[64Chevelle]

Hmm, yes, I've tried both with a jack supporting the LCA and without as I thought there was a slight chance the angle of the BJ to the spindle would make a difference. I will thread the upper BJ castle nut back on to prevent it from flying apart. I could not thread the LCA castle nut on because then the tool would not fit, it was just a bit to long.

Using a tube on the wrench is an excellent idea, I'll see what I have lying around.

Thanks a lot!

Obvious question first... are you supporting the lower control arm with a jack or jack stand? If so, take that out! Use the pressure of the spring to separate the joints. You'll need to thread back on the castle nuts (not tight, just on there) to keep the assembly from flying apart.

Speaking of spring pressure - safety first - wrap a length of chain around your spring to the lower control arm to keep it from flying when the ball joints release.

Also, yes, you can extend the wrench you are using by slipping a piece of pipe over the end to create leverage.

[Mike Holleman]

Hmm, yes, I've tried both with a jack supporting the LCA and without as I thought there was a slight chance the angle of the BJ to the spindle would make a difference. I will thread the upper BJ castle nut back on to prevent it from flying apart. I could not thread the LCA castle nut on because then the tool would not fit, it was just a bit to long.

Using a tube on the wrench is an excellent idea, I'll see what I have lying around.

Thanks a lot!

By all means get a nut back on the ball joint for safety. Once done apply pressure with your ball joint press and then give the side of the spindle that the joint passes through a whack with a hammer.
Hit it where the raised boss is. That should break it loose.

[Jim Nilsen]

I none of the other methods work you can try spraying it with PB Blaster and waiting over night or you can heat it up with a torch and it will expand it some and hopefully come apart.

[64Chevelle]

I none of the other methods work you can try spraying it with PB Blaster and waiting over night or you can heat it up with a torch and it will expand it some and hopefully come apart.

Do you have a link for the PB Blaster?

[64Chevelle]

By all means get a nut back on the ball joint for safety. Once done apply pressure with your ball joint press and then give the side of the spindle that the joint passes through a whack with a hammer.
Hit it where the raised boss is. That should break it loose.

Thanks a lot, that did the trick. With a metal tube around the wrench to get a little more leverage, the bolt back on the ball joint for safety and the a couple whacks with a hammer, it finally came loose.

With the LCA BJ, I had already given up and used the pickle fork, it came off in about 30 seconds that way, but of course, the dust shield broke. No big deal.

Btw, the ball joint separator tool was too tall to use on the stock spindle with the nut on the BJ, see attached picture.