how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

hey guys...need help

i'm changing into drop spindles and i'm stuck with one last step...i can't seem to pop out the bottom part of the spindle. any suggestions?

thanks!

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

BFH... seriously... a BFH.

Gary

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

OrAttachment 1405071

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

This reminds me of the time I was rebuilding the front suspension on my old Mustang. I had been at it for some time giving it hell with a hammer and a pickle fork with no luck. My dad came over and must have had a tough day at work because he took one or two good whacks with the hammer and broke the parts free. He said you just gotta show the car who the boss is. Since then I have come to realize the value of a BFH and good old American muscle.

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

Get someone who has done it before to help you ,,, it can be a very dangerous operation

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

You are going to need a ball joint fork and a BFH! Just like the guy above said. You might want to put the a jack under the spring on the A arm and bolt the top side in and taking the bottom crown nut off, the weight plus a little help from the tools above with get it loose. Just be careful releasing the tension from the spring. Do this and it will come right off.

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

All you need to do is loosen the castle nut, leaving enough threads so it stays on. BFH and smack the side of the spindle. A few whacks and it will "pop" and be loosened. Use a floor jack to lower the control arm carefully after you remove the castle nut completely. For safety hook a chain around the coil spring so it doesn't fly out. They usually just fall out but it's nice to have extra safety.

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

Exactly right! I spent HOURS beating on mine with a pickle fork and a large hammer with no results. My uncle who is a mechanic came by and after 30 seconds he got it loose. He said the right hit and right attitude will get it done. He wasn't kidding.

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

My feelings are a little hurt that no one liked my idea. O well, maybe I will feel better after a cup of coffee.Attachment 1405143:waah:

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

same here. i beat the hell out of mine with bfh and a pipe extension it took about about 20 minutes of beating per side after i used the pickle fork

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

I have that same tool from harbor freight. It works great for tie rod ends, far better then a pickle fork IMO

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

This is what I use:

http://scandc.com/new/node/183

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

X2 for sure. Big Big hammer

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

The spring tension is relieved and the LCA is free to move, right? You may want to jam a pickle fork in there with the BFH, then bash the spindle next to the tapered part of the BJ. It helps a bit to have something pushing things apart when you hit it.

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

No pickle fork, no fancy bars, no other tools. Just hit it HARD with a BFH. Same for tie rod ends in spindles as well.

:hc:

Gary

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

x2

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

I've taken lots of ball joints off and the easiest and the safest way is with a ball joint separator. They are only $20 at HF and you can find 20% coupons online. I have beat the heck out of mine and never had an issue, its one of the best tools for suspension work.

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

i just bought one today and i don't know about yours but i can't find a good place to place the dam thing. i feel like the separator is too small!

i hit the dam thing all over with a big hammer and also got the pickle fork to get all the way in and its still not popping!!!!

i have to stop now cause its dark here and don't wanna piss off my neighbors. i hate this dam thing. i sprayed the heck out of it with lubricant too

ahhhh!!!! still no luck!

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

Bingo. The harbor freight tool I referenced will not fit the lower ball joint/control arm. Iirc, it will work on the upper if you flip the brackets. It is good for separating the tie rod ends at the center link. I used it at some point in my build thread years ago. For all else, in reality, you only need a BFH as Gary posted above. In my experience a picklefork just tears up your grease boots. Loosening all castle nuts and letting the compressed spring pop everything works. Don't be afraid to hit the spindle HARD, you won't damage it. Just wait until daylight so the neighbors don't complain :)

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

leave upper attached to create upward pull on spindle. Loosen lower nut. Place jack under lower arm. hit spindle REAL hard with hammer by ball joint

Re: how to remove bottom spindle? HELP!
 

It works but you have to open up the mouth of it big enough to fit the lower ball joint. I just used a sanding disc to open up the mouth of it now it fits everything I work on. I figured for the price if I mess it up its not a big deal.

Rich