A Little Ball Joint help Please - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DT1 · 04-06-2018, 09:06 PM

I took the 71 in for alignment and was told the upper right ball joint was worn, so I bought a complete set of Moog upper and lowers. The joints popped out OK but I can't get the lower joint off of the A Arm. It looks like it should be simple. I looked at the new one and all there I see is a serrated collar that needs to be pushed out of the arm. I supported the A Arm with some wood and fit a piece of pipe over the joint so I could smack it out. Not happening! Any tricks to it or should I get a bigger hammer??

hewittca · 04-06-2018, 09:17 PM

I recently replaced the balljoints on my truck with hand tools. There's a balljoint tool you can rent from most auto parts stores. I was able to press the old joints out with it, but could not get the new ones in. I ended up using the collar from the tool and hammering on that with a BFH to seat the new balljoint. After struggling with it while the arm was still connected to the truck, I found it was much easier to do after I pulled the arm off.

DT1 · 04-06-2018, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hewittca

I recently replaced the balljoints on my truck with hand tools. There's a balljoint tool you can rent from most auto parts stores. I was able to press the old joints out with it, but could not get the new ones in. I ended up using the collar from the tool and hammering on that with a BFH to seat the new balljoint. After struggling with it while the arm was still connected to the truck, I found it was much easier to do after I pulled the arm off.

Thanks.
I heard Harbor freight had a lower ball joint press tool but I can't find the type I need on line. I wonder if anyone has a link or a picture of said tool?

**Steeveedee** · 04-06-2018, 09:34 PM

O'Reilly's has the press. Is that where you went to get it? The counterman at O'Reilly's told me that they didn't have the tool to remove the lower ball joints, so I ended up buying a cheap hydraulic press from Harbor Freight. Then I discovered that the tool actually did both.

DT1 · 04-06-2018, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

O'Reilly's has the press. Is that where you went to get it? The counterman at O'Reilly's told me that they didn't have the tool to remove the lower ball joints, so I ended up buying a cheap hydraulic press from Harbor Freight. Then I discovered that the tool actually did both.

I was going to buy 12 tone press from Harbor Freight tomorrow but I think I'll try Oreilly first. I have to buy brake pads anyway.

**Jason Banks** · 04-06-2018, 10:44 PM

I recently decided I would buy a ball joint press instead of borrowing my friends. I discovered i could get one off eBay or amazon cheaper than harbor freight.

But yah...renting from the auto parts store is a good idea too...

I recently used my 20 ton harbor freight press with a short length of 1 1/2 Inch pipe to press the lowers out.

toolboxchev · 04-06-2018, 11:29 PM

I tried to rent the proper tool, could not find it at the local parts places. Finally decided to let my mechanic friend handle it. He had the proper tool, so I helped and when it came time to the lowers we took em down to the local machine shop.

10 bucks a side popped out the old and in with the new. Even he told me with the tool they can be a total pita.

04-06-2018, 09:06 PM	#1
DT1 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gardnerville Nv No Mo Cali!! Posts: 869	A Little Ball Joint help Please I took the 71 in for alignment and was told the upper right ball joint was worn, so I bought a complete set of Moog upper and lowers. The joints popped out OK but I can't get the lower joint off of the A Arm. It looks like it should be simple. I looked at the new one and all there I see is a serrated collar that needs to be pushed out of the arm. I supported the A Arm with some wood and fit a piece of pipe over the joint so I could smack it out. Not happening! Any tricks to it or should I get a bigger hammer??

04-06-2018, 09:17 PM	#2
hewittca Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mocksville, NC Posts: 1,747	Re: A Little Ball Joint help Please I recently replaced the balljoints on my truck with hand tools. There's a balljoint tool you can rent from most auto parts stores. I was able to press the old joints out with it, but could not get the new ones in. I ended up using the collar from the tool and hammering on that with a BFH to seat the new balljoint. After struggling with it while the arm was still connected to the truck, I found it was much easier to do after I pulled the arm off. __________________ Builds: Green Gus the 68 C10 ; Sullii the 72 1500 - Instagram: @dr.hewitt - C10 Concept/Development Photos: Master Thread

04-06-2018, 09:34 PM	#4
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,352	Re: A Little Ball Joint help Please O'Reilly's has the press. Is that where you went to get it? The counterman at O'Reilly's told me that they didn't have the tool to remove the lower ball joints, so I ended up buying a cheap hydraulic press from Harbor Freight. Then I discovered that the tool actually did both. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

04-06-2018, 10:44 PM	#6
Jason Banks Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: TX Posts: 1,565	Re: A Little Ball Joint help Please I recently decided I would buy a ball joint press instead of borrowing my friends. I discovered i could get one off eBay or amazon cheaper than harbor freight. But yah...renting from the auto parts store is a good idea too... I recently used my 20 ton harbor freight press with a short length of 1 1/2 Inch pipe to press the lowers out.

04-06-2018, 11:29 PM	#7
toolboxchev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: 2nd left past the stump on a dirt road. Posts: 2,629	Re: A Little Ball Joint help Please I tried to rent the proper tool, could not find it at the local parts places. Finally decided to let my mechanic friend handle it. He had the proper tool, so I helped and when it came time to the lowers we took em down to the local machine shop. 10 bucks a side popped out the old and in with the new. Even he told me with the tool they can be a total pita.



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