pdm
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 posted on 18/4/10 at 08:37 AM |
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Splitting ball joints
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
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zilspeed
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| posted on 18/4/10 at 08:42 AM |
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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.
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tegwin
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| posted on 18/4/10 at 08:42 AM |
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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!
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pdm
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| posted on 18/4/10 at 08:46 AM |
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Ok thanks for the replies.
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craig1410
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| posted on 18/4/10 at 09:48 AM |
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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!
That type of splitter will destroy the rubber gaitor all too often. Better to use the lever type splitter with a screw like
this one.
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prawnabie
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| posted on 18/4/10 at 09:51 AM |
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Scissor type are the best, but be careful as when the ball joint pops out, the tool usually flies off straight towards your head.
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rusty nuts
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| posted on 18/4/10 at 09:53 AM |
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If using a scissor type leave the nut screwed on a few threads to prevent damage .
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turbodisplay
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| posted on 18/4/10 at 10:05 AM |
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A sharp tap works well on the side of the upright.
Darren
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NOTE:This user is registered as a LocostBuilders trader and may offer commercial services to other users
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pdm
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| posted on 18/4/10 at 02:20 PM |
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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]
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blakep82
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| posted on 18/4/10 at 02:57 PM |
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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 
________________________
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don't write OT on a new thread title, you're creating the topic, everything you write is very much ON topic!
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rusty nuts
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| posted on 18/4/10 at 03:35 PM |
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If you want to salvage the track rod end/ ball joint NEVER hit the end of the thread!!
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craig1410
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| posted on 18/4/10 at 03:57 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by rusty nuts
If you want to salvage the track rod end/ ball joint NEVER hit the end of the thread!!
Wise advice - you always start off with a little tap but before you know it you can't get the nut back on... Also be careful not to crush the
end of the nyloc nut if you are using one.
When using a balljoint separator of the scissor type you should apply some pressure with the separator and then try tapping the top of it then
tighten a bit farther and then tap again etc. This will avoid skinned knuckles when you try to separate the joint with pressure alone.
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RoadkillUK
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| posted on 18/4/10 at 06:13 PM |
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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.
Roadkill - Lee
www.bradford7.co.uk
Latest Picture (14 Sept 2014)
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pdm
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| posted on 18/4/10 at 06:29 PM |
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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.
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