Lower Arm Balljoint Separation Tip

[Mike Noc]

There are many ways of separating the lower arm outer balljoint from the hub but I've used this one for years. Just put a spacer in between the hub and the balljoint and use a screwdriver to push the balljoint shaft down wedging the screwdriver against the raised edge on the hub.



Doesn't need much force as you are pushing directly down on the shaft, it pretty much falls out. Turned down a few different thickness spacers from some scrap so I can add them as the shaft drops.

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by Mike Noc

Just put a spacer in between the hub and the balljoint ... Turned down a few different thickness spacers from some scrap so I can add them as the shaft drops.

I wish I had a lathe and scrap steel to benefit from your helpful tip Mike!

Simon

[goltho]

I've always had no difficulty using a wedged ball joint splitter although I accept it has to go between the gaiter and the hub clamp, risking the integrity of the gaiter (not a problem if you're changing the lower arm).

But that's not taking anything away from your tip. I shall try it next time out of interest. Cheers.

Dougie.

[Mike Noc]

Originally Posted by SD1too

I wish I had a lathe and scrap steel to benefit from your helpful tip Mike!

Simon

A scrap bolt cut down if you have a hacksaw, or even some old washers if you haven't - you just have to get inventive Simon.

The idea is that whatever you use, direct downward force on the shaft easily pushes it out.

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by Mike Noc

The idea is that whatever you use, direct downward force on the shaft easily pushes it out.

Hi Mike,

When I was faced with this task in the Spring I discovered that the angle of the hub is critical. I seem to remember that although the top of the hub naturally falls inwards, this force needs to be counteracted manually which is not easy as the thing is mightily heavy! At the same time, the springiness of the lower arm needs to be overcome by a firm tap. I didn't have enough hands for this working on the garage floor but when a fellow car maintenance enthusiast answered my call it dropped out in ten seconds!

Next time I'll try your tip.

Simon

[Retap]

never had a problem with this joint its the devil main ball joint into the subframe that is my tormentor. On the outer ball joint i have found disconnecting the tie rod and pushing the hub in and wiggling the arm whilst pulling down a bit allows the joint to drop out but i have had them off a few times now.

[Synchromesh]

I use this method with hexagon nuts as spacers. When the first nut goes flush just add another. I think it usually requires three nuts to push it all the way out.