I have tried everythig that i can think of to break this ball joint loose. I have beat it with a hammer, and even bought a pickling fork and nothing seems to work on this ball joint. Can anybody give me a different idea to break this ball joint loose?

i had a small home type ball joint press i think you can get them at autozone and instead of pressing them in i just reversed mine put it on the stud and have someone hold it while you turn the wrench it should pop out at least mine did good luck.

Dude,
If you are talking about popping the ball joint from the spindle, here is the way I do it.

With the frame supported on jack stands, letting the a-arms hang. Assuming the coil is still installed.

Loosen the nut on the ball joint, Do not take it off. Leave it on the last 3-5 threads.

Put the pickle fork between the ball joint and the spindle. Whack with a 3-5 lb hammer a few times. When the joints pops the bolt stops it from coming off the joint.

You can also use a second hammer, placed on the other side of the spindle, hit the spindle with the other hammer. This some times works to pop the joint loose.

If you do not have the coils installed, your only method involves the 2nd hammer. I like using the coils to help pop the joint.


If all else fails, use a bigger hammer. graemlins/clonk.gif

I just went through this and my upper on one side was a sob. You just have to use your pickle fork and wail the tar out of it with a BIG hammer. It finally came loose. What a bear it was though. Good luck! It will come loose. Skip

If you still can't break it loose with a fork and large hammer, you can use a fork in an air chisel. I've had to use the air chisel a few times. It's the vibration from the chisel that breaks it loose rather than force from a hammer. If you don't have an air chisel, rent, beg, borrow or steal one, and I bet it will break loose. As previously stated, if the spring is still installed, BE CAREFUL. Be sure the nut is on far enough, or you may have a bad headache with a coil spring embedded in your face.... :confused: graemlins/angry.gif