Al:
There is a special tool called a "ball joint separator"
(logically enough) available at any auto parts store. They work great,
although they are a bit hard on the control arms (tend to leave small
dents). It looks like a giant pickle fork. 2 whacks with a big hammer,
and your ball joint pops apart. This is what I used. You can borrow them
from auto parts stores like auto zone:
http://www.autozone.com/in_our_stores/loan_a_tool/steering_suspension/ba
ll_joint_separator.htm
A more gentle tool that costs a few dollars more is a "ball
joint remover" which uses a screw to force the joint apart. Here is a
pic from JC Whitney:
http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product?storeId=10101
&Pr=p_Product.CATENTRY_ID%3A2004158&TID=231000000&TID=231000000&productI
d=2004158&catalogId=10101
The separator is cheap, one size pretty much fits all, and as
reliable as an anvil. The remover is a little more, harder to find, but
won't damage the grease boot, and causes no collateral damage.
Cheers,
Vance
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-6pack@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-6pack@autox.team.net] On
Behalf Of Alan Salvatore
Sent: October 04, 2006 2:48 PM
To: triumphs@autox.team.net; 6pack
Subject: ball joint removal
I believe i asked this question before , but I can't find the answer
now.
I think someone mentioned using two screw drivers. I can't seem to get
enough
leverage on them; also I don't think they are strong enough.
The book calls for a special tool that looks like a big fork; which I
don't
have.
i have removed the shock since I am putting polly bushings in.
The bottom of the ball joint has an inset so I tried hitting it with
set
driver and a hammer, no luck.
Its hard to get a good shot at it. I was told to remove the spring and
the
control arm; and I can see that that would give me a much better shot at
it;
but I am trying to avoid that.
Any ideas?
thanks,
Al
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