Morning all,

I've a question about the ball joints at the end of track ends and how to remove them please as I haven't done this before.

I've undone the top nut and expected to be able to push it out but it's too tight. There is also a rubber bush in there.

So do I need a ball joint splitter or is there something else like a Pry bar which will work ? What's the technique for getting this bit removed ?

Also the track rod ends are rusted soild to the rack - any ideas for removing them without damaging the rack itself ?

(Car is 1994 E36 BMW).

Thanks
Paul

You can use a fork type splitter which will destroy the gaiter.

You can use a screw type splitter which will not wreck the gaiter.

Or, take two hammers and at the same time deliver a firm but not crazy hard blow with both hammers to either side of the steering arm which the track rod end goes into. If an assistant is simultaneously applying pressure to the joint with a bar, it will often pop right out.

Get yourself to Halfords and pick up a ball joint splitter...

Looks like a 2 pronged fork but slightly wedge shaped.... smack that in between the steerring arm and the track rod...


I have tried in the past to remove them without the correct tool.... heat and a big hammer helps... but its so much easier if you use the proper wedge shaped tool.... Less chance of daamging the upright!

Ok thanks for the replies.

quote:

---

Originally posted by tegwin
Get yourself to Halfords and pick up a ball joint splitter...

Looks like a 2 pronged fork but slightly wedge shaped.... smack that in between the steerring arm and the track rod...


I have tried in the past to remove them without the correct tool.... heat and a big hammer helps... but its so much easier if you use the proper wedge shaped tool.... Less chance of daamging the upright!

---

Scissor type are the best, but be careful as when the ball joint pops out, the tool usually flies off straight towards your head.

If using a scissor type leave the nut screwed on a few threads to prevent damage .

A sharp tap works well on the side of the upright.

Darren

Thanks everyone - must admit I haven't done anything on car today (gardening - well it had to be done sooner or later I suppose !!).

Think I screw/scissor seperator thing is the way I'll go as suggested.

Thanks for all the replies.

[Edited on 18/4/10 by pdm]

cheaper option (and the only one that worked for me, the forked splitter did bugger all)

kettle of boiling hot water, pour it on, then another one, pour that on too, the a sharp tap with a very large hammer (club hammer if you have one) on the end of the thread. it should pop right out

If you want to salvage the track rod end/ ball joint NEVER hit the end of the thread!!

quote:

---

Originally posted by rusty nuts
If you want to salvage the track rod end/ ball joint NEVER hit the end of the thread!!

---

I recommend the scissor type, to add more excitement, use an air ratchet to wind it up

Might I also suggest that before trying to seperate the balljoint, make sure that you remove the nut fully, if not, you will most likely find that you can't get the nut off because it's rusty and the balljoint is spinning.

I hope you understood that, I just read it and it seems to make sense.

If you are to use the balljoint again, put the nut back on a couple of threads to save damage to the balljoint threads.

Thanks all - in all seriousness, I didn't realise these would be such a tight fit. I sort of expected it would kind of push out once the top nut was removed.

Thanks again for everybodys responses.