1994 Lower Ball Joints

[DeuxStangs]

Hi guys. Just after a bit of advice about getting the lower front ball joints out. Got myself a decent press, but the ball joints look well rusted in, bonded to the LCA. I have cleaned the area around the ball joint where it goes into the LCA, tightened the press as much as I dare, and soaked the area with WD40. As it's a low mileage '94, they have probably been in since new! Any tips/secrets to getting them out? Worried the press will break with any more tightening!!
Cheers guys!

 

[weendoggy]

I've done them on/off the car and always used my suspension tools. Key is getting the correct collar support and press pieces setup. Using a shop press, it's easier to maneuver, but on the car isn't bad and used the "C" clamp type press/installer. Maybe use a good penetrant instead of WD, but once they pop, the rest is easy.

 

[cobrajeff96]

If times get desperate, a little heat won't hurt.

 

[DeuxStangs]

Thanks guys. Yeah, using the c type press/installer, and I thought a bit of heat next!!

 

[weendoggy]

Thanks guys. Yeah, using the c type press/installer, and I thought a bit of heat next!!

Under pressure (David Bowie) and a propane torch. No need for the big guns!

 

[DeuxStangs]

Is there life on Mars, I don't know.......!!

 

[96blak54]

Ball joints are a next level pain in the butt. If a new lower A arm with a ball joint installed can be purchased, its best to go that route. You still gonna need an alignment after the repair. Good luck

 

[whiplash473]

I have always had good luck hitting the outside of the control arm right next to the ball joint with a small sledgehammer - like a single-hand sized one) with pressure pushing it out. You need a sturdy setup for this and also don’t use a rubber mallet. It needs that steel on steel shock.

 

[badass98svt]

Is there life on Mars, I don't know.......!!

My father used to have a hard time getting ball joints out in his Golden Years.

 

[DeuxStangs]

Ball joints are a next level pain in the butt. If a new lower A arm with a ball joint installed can be purchased, its best to go that route. You still gonna need an alignment after the repair. Good luck

I could of changed the whole arm, but a pal of mine said getting the springs off were a real pita! So I thought I'd go the "easier" route.........!

 

[weendoggy]

I could of changed the whole arm, but a pal of mine said getting the springs off were a real pita! So I thought I'd go the "easier" route.........!View attachment 25529View attachment 25530

That's how I've done it in the past as well. One was a bugger, but a little extra grunt and it popped.

 

[d.garza18]

Hi guys. Just after a bit of advice about getting the lower front ball joints out. Got myself a decent press, but the ball joints look well rusted in, bonded to the LCA. I have cleaned the area around the ball joint where it goes into the LCA, tightened the press as much as I dare, and soaked the area with WD40. As it's a low mileage '94, they have probably been in since new! Any tips/secrets to getting them out? Worried the press will break with any more tightening!!
Cheers guys!

Heat them up, spray and use a ball joint press. If that fails beat heat them up some more and beat them like a drunk step dad

 

[Flade]

I could have changed the whole arm, but a pal of mine said getting the springs off were a real pita! So I thought I'd go the "easier" route.........!View attachment 25529View attachment 25530

Getting the springs off is easy. Putting them back in is the hard part.