[DeTomaso] Rear upper ball joints
MikeLDrew at aol.com
MikeLDrew at aol.com
Fri May 14 02:57:30 EDT 2010
In a message dated 5/13/10 19 43 36, ncpantera at bellsouth.net writes:
> Any tricks to removing the ball joints without damage to the upper arms?
>
Go to any auto parts store and rent their front end service kit. Among
the items in the kit is a ball joint removal tool. Here's a photo of the kit
that every store in the country rents out:
http://cens.com/cens/supplier/product/pic/05502018/20186_big.jpg
The tool in the center bottom is the one you use. The bolt on the bottom
left is part of this tool. Here's how it works.
The part of the tool that is at the bottom right corner, goes in between
the top of the hub carrier, and the ball joint. Although it's difficult to
see, there is a machined relief and it's quite thin. I usually have to
sharpen it somewhat to make sure that it enters cleanly and doesn't rip the ball
joint boot.
The part of the tool that is at the top right corner, goes underneath the
bottom of the ball joint, where the nut threads on. (It's best to leave the
nut threaded on, flush with the bottom of the threads, to protect them).
The bolt threads through the part of the tool on the bottom left in the
photo, and the end pushes on the part at the top left. When the part on the
top left is pushed, there is a see-saw effect and it pushes on the opposite
side.
What this does is gently but firmly force the ball joint up and out of the
hub carrier. In practice, you will turn and turn and turn and the forces
and strain will become ever greater, then POP! and it will pop free. That's
the other reason for keeping the nut on the end of the ball joint--it
prevents the whole assembly from blowing apart and collapsing in your face. :>)
My local Kragen's charges a $90 fee to rent the kit and returns all $90
when I bring it back, making it free!
Mike
More information about the DeTomaso
mailing list