Removing Lower Ball Joint - Help! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tobybul · #1 08-26-2006, 10:39 AM

ok, am in the middle of removing the rt lower ball joint. all bolts and nuts are off, even that of the upper bj. but am having problem sliding the bj bolt off the lower control arm. I thought maybe if I find a way to get the spindle off the upper bj first then I can hammer the lower bj off the arm?

or am I doing this the hard way? Help please

tangofox007 · #2 08-26-2006, 11:05 AM

Assuming that you are working on a W123 as indicated in your tie rod thread, you need a ball joint separator. The come in several varieties. A fork is probalby your best bet, given that they are cheap and readily available. Some parts stores will lend one for no cost. Hammering the ball joint stud out of the control arm is not a good approach.

When usng a fork, don't expect instant results.

jrgslg · #3 08-26-2006, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

Assuming that you are working on a W123 as indicated in your tie rod thread, you need a ball joint separator. The come in several varieties. A fork is probalby your best bet, given that they are cheap and readily available. Some parts stores will lend one for no cost. Hammering the ball joint stud out of the control arm is not a good approach.

When usng a fork, don't expect instant results.

I would add when using Fork ,wear thick gloves.Trust me on this one ,OUCH!

Whiskeydan · #4 08-26-2006, 11:12 AM

I used a two jaw puller and still had to "tap" on the outer edge to pop it loose.
Spray it with PB blaster and be patient. It will come loose eventually.

tangofox007 · #5 08-26-2006, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

or am I doing this the hard way?

Considering that you have not gotten to the hard part yet, it's starting to look that way. If you are going to need the car anytime soon, you might want to regroup, assemble the correct tools and information, and try again later.

tobybul · #6 08-26-2006, 12:20 PM

really appreciate the feedback. am running over to autozone to borrow the separator ($15 deposit) and the ball joint press ($100 dep).... sounds like Napa has them too.

I agree just from the looks of it that hammering it may not produce good results.

Thanks...

tobybul · #7 08-26-2006, 12:21 PM

I showed pics in this thread.

tobybul · #8 08-26-2006, 12:27 PM

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/attachments/tech-help/35706d1156604369-ball-joint-boot-replacement-tricks-needed-upper-lower-bj.jpg

Part of what I'm noticing is that the upper bj seems to be stuck, too. Will the separator work on this? I'm only replacing the lower bj. see the link above for the pic.

tobybul · #9 08-26-2006, 12:30 PM

Am thinkin that once I get the spindle off am just gonna have NAPA remove and install the new lower ball joint. They Charge $38 in their machine shop. I think it'll be worth it.

tangofox007 · #10 08-26-2006, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/attachment.php?attachmentid=35706&d=1156604369

Part of what I'm noticing is that the upper bj seems to be stuck, too. Will the separator work on this? I'm only replacing the lower bj. see the link above for the pic.

A fork will ruin the grease boot. Get a tie rod puller from Autozone. It won't fit perfectly, but you can get by with it.

Here it is:
http://www.autozone.com/in_our_stores/loan_a_tool/pullers_specialized/tie_rod_end.htm

Whiskeydan · #11 08-26-2006, 01:53 PM

Lower Ball Joint Replacement Question

tobybul · #12 08-26-2006, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

A fork will ruin the grease boot. Get a tie rod puller from Autozone. It won't fit perfectly, but you can get by with it.

Here it is:
http://www.autozone.com/in_our_stores/loan_a_tool/pullers_specialized/tie_rod_end.htm

my boots are shot already... see the pic. I have a fork now from AZ butnot budging yet.

tangofox007 · #13 08-26-2006, 02:39 PM

Sharp, rapid blows with a big hammer!!! Let the fork wedge do the separating; don't try to use the fork as a pry bar.

tobybul · #14 08-26-2006, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

Sharp, rapid blows with a big hammer!!! Let the fork wedge do the separating; don't try to use the fork as a pry bar.

I wish this was possible but the spindle is in the way. Cant get the fork to go all the way in as the inside of the spindle is stopping it. Plus the upper ball joint is pulling the spindle up. Its kinda stuck up there, too.

tobybul · #15 08-26-2006, 03:58 PM

Well, folks, I gave up on this baby.

Just could not get the bj off the control arm. Will be giving it to my local mechanic next week to do. Plus one of you was right... don't use the fork on a good ball joint cuz you'll tear the rubber. Did it to the upper control arm bj. Another $55 part.

Thanks for all your help. Will still do the bearings later when the bj job is done. That one was easy. My bearings came off quick. I put them back as is since I will be replacing them in the next few days anyway.

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