[///MD]

I'm swapping machined steering arms in for more front camber. Any tips on how to remove the tie rod ends and ball joints without buggering up the rubber seals? I don't want to use the pickle fork. Is there a ball joint press or puller that fits and is readily available. My local O'Reilly's tools don't fit properly.
Hammer method isn't working.
Thanks!

 

[<@¿@>]

There are only 4 bolts holding that whole assembly on...the 2 inner wishbone bolts holding it all to the chassis and the 2 bolts holding the steering arm to the front upright. It all comes out then... much easier to work with then.

Keep track of the caster shims though...

 

[jefrac]

I'm swapping machined steering arms in for more front camber. Any tips on how to remove the tie rod ends and ball joints without buggering up the rubber seals? I don't want to use the pickle fork. Is there a ball joint press or puller that fits and is readily available. My local O'Reilly's tools don't fit properly.
Hammer method isn't working.
Thanks!

3/4" ball joint separator from Harbor Freight (about $20). Slide the split tip in under the rubber boot very carefully. I left the nut on, but very loose so things did not move when that energy is released. I had zero damage on the rubber boots.

Keep the tapered part of the joint very clean. If you get grease on it, they want to spin during re-assembly. I had one that was a little reluctant to get snug so I used a ratchet strap around the a-arm ends. It took just a little pressure to seat enough to get solid.

I replaced these last week and the whole job took less than 2 hours going slowly. Good luck.

 

[philethier]

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[aztec1382]

Harbor freight


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[jds62f]

did what others above did. HF ball joint separator, loosen the nut on the ball joint but leave it on (unless of course you are trying to put a hole through the liner and a ding in the clam). Be mindful of where you place the ball joint separator tool on the threaded end of the ball joint bolt. I managed to mangle a thread on it but fixed it with a couple light touches from the dremel.

 

[Gunpilot]

Ball joints and track rod ends are a dime a dozen, just replace them while your in there.

I had good luck with this tool: Amazon.com: OTC 6297 Ball Joint Separator: Automotive
And this one: [ame]http://www.amazon.com/OTC-7315A-Universal-Tie-Remover/dp/B000F5LJ3M/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1401726403&sr=8-4&keywords=tie+rod+tool[/ame]
And this:Elise Parts - Service Items - Service Tools - Ball Joint Removal Tool

 

[///MD]

Y'all aren't going to believe this, but the nearest HF is 2500 miles away!!! :facepalm LOL!

Is this the type you used?

Amazon.com is my friend...

 

[///MD]

There are only 4 bolts holding that whole assembly on...the 2 inner wishbone bolts holding it all to the chassis and the 2 bolts holding the steering arm to the front upright. It all comes out then... much easier to work with then.

Keep track of the caster shims though...

I did my control arm bushing upgrade already and it was a bitch ass 12 hr job! I really want to avoid taking those bolts out again...

 

[jefrac]

Y'all aren't going to believe this, but the nearest HF is 2500 miles away!!! :facepalm LOL!

Is this the type you used?

Amazon.com is my friend...

Oh, I see your location is a bit...unique. The one you show there might work, but it looks like it would be difficult and might not work.

This is the exact one I used:

3/4" Forged Ball Joint Separator

It worked great.

 

[///MD]

That's a lovely tool. I gotta get me one of those.
Thanks!!