Can anyone in the Atlanta area press in a ball joint? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

300SD81 · #1 03-31-2007, 08:16 PM

Anyone around here have the equipment to press in a ball joint? I pulled a junkyard steering knuckle and the ball joint is damaged, ordered a new one, but I can't even get the old one out with a 5lb hammer... I can come over any time this week, but I'd prefer as soon as possible since I still need to install it on my car... Thanks!

Edit: Will this work?
http://autozone.com/in_our_stores/loan_a_tool/steering_suspension/ball_joint_press.htm

truckinik · #2 03-31-2007, 09:57 PM

Look up Jhodge, here, on the site. He owns, and runs "Blue Ridge Mercedes", or just phone him....Forgot his number, but just look up "Blue Ridge Mercedes" in the book or something. He'll be very happy to help you, I'm sure. Just tell him Nick sent you, and he'll get it done for you.. John's a nice guy, and fair.

300SD81 · #3 03-31-2007, 10:18 PM

Been trying to use that autozone press to get the joint out, no luck... home made oxy-propane torch (pure oxygen blown at the ait holes on a propane torch) isn't helping either.. I'll call him tomorrow and see..

truckinik · #4 03-31-2007, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300SD81

Been trying to use that autozone press to get the joint out, no luck... home made oxy-propane torch (pure oxygen blown at the ait holes on a propane torch) isn't helping either.. I'll call him tomorrow and see..

Yeah, He's a great guy.. He's up on thre top side of Atlanta, about 8-10 miles, north-east, on I-85, of the Brook Haven, area..a little FYI.

kerry · #5 03-31-2007, 10:42 PM

There are a couple of threads that address the best technique for removing ball joints. None use a press. A press is often counterproductive. The best technique is to apply force prying the ball joint out, then strike the edge of the knuckle with a large hammer while another hammer is 'dollied' up to the other side. It usually takes just a couple of blows.

pmckechnie · #6 04-01-2007, 10:31 AM

Please, please put that torch away. I was doing the same thing and the ball joint actually exploded. The heat makes the grease expand and blow the ball out of the joint. No one was hurt but I had to change my cloths. On the good side, after this happened, the joint came out easy.

300SD81 · #7 04-01-2007, 03:12 PM

I should change the title to can anyone press OUT a ball joint... I've been pressing, pounding, and torching this thing for hours now... and I still can't get that damn joint out of the steering knuckle! I've already read that I can press it IN with the autozone tool, I just have to get the old one OUT........ I've already done enough damage to the bottom of the ball joint that the ball will not move around anymore.

kerry · #8 04-01-2007, 03:19 PM

You're going to have to change your technique. Pressing out is often virtually impossible. As you press it, you are compressing the joint into the knuckle. You must use shock treatment to remove it.
I don't know how your parts are configured but if the joint were on the car, I would put about a 6' pry bar of some kind prying the joint apart and then strike the side of the knuckle as I described above.

300SD81 · #9 04-01-2007, 03:31 PM

Everything I have is in the pic, except for some of the rings and stuff that came with the ball joint tool, my oxygen tank, and a few sockets is in that pic. Been using the jack and pipe wrench as a hammer.

So, I should clamp the ball joint in the press, and then hit the steering knuckle on the side?

300SD81 · #10 04-02-2007, 05:03 PM

Went to a friends place and borrowed her dads 10lb sledge hammer... Out in 3 blows, and broke my socket! I need to invest in some tools when I get cash...

winmutt · #11 04-02-2007, 05:09 PM

Im sure oldworldauto could have done it as well.

truckinik · #12 04-03-2007, 03:24 PM

I thought you said Ball Joints?? Not "Tie rod" ends.. Tie rod ends always come out with a few hammer blows to the side, of the spindle/mount hole. Your problem was "Tie Rod" ends,(Steering) aparently, not "Ball joints"(Suspension arms, to spindle)....Am I correct? Did I mistake, or did you?

300SD81 · #13 04-03-2007, 03:56 PM

this is the job i'm talking about, http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/7153/untitledkh1.jpg

truckinik · #14 04-03-2007, 04:16 PM

Yes, I see, Those are ball joints indeed. King-pins, is another term for them, in some areas, and shops. The tie rods, are on the end of the steering arms. I might have Chevys on the brain today though...I also thought you needed them removed, for the spindle itself, and they were already out of the car. On most any vehicle, they can be coaxed off of the control arms, Top and bottom with big hammer, and leverage bar. The part they usually need to press out is where they actaull mount into the A-Arms, or front axle. Never mind, I'm rambling now....LOL.

300SD81 · #15 04-03-2007, 04:22 PM

All the stuff came off the junkyard car easily with a few pickle forks and a puller.. Will have to me more careful on my car though, smashed up stuff on the junkyard car a bit...