Control Arm help!

[reelizmpro]

I've never had a problem using a big sledge hammer or pickle fork for that matter. If I am replacing the arm, the proper fork works wonderful. If I am reusing the arm, I use a big hammer with nut over the thread for protection. I've been successful using these methods but that separator is the proper tool for the job.

[Bearmw]

A ball joint seperator or the BFH and nut on the stud works for me but I also like to spray some PB Blast or something in there and let it penetrate to make it easier.

[gtdragon980]

Don't know if this has been mentioned yet but, BFH!

Edit: It is such a great feeling when the ball joint finally seperates from the strut housing.

[Dalejandrino]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm going to try the BFH method out as soon as I get home from school. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

[oliver.r]

pickle fork on a air hammer, 5 seconds and its off

[series88]

Give the control arm a wd40 bath and hammer away

[AndrewBird]

A pickle fork used properly will not tear the boot. Place the flat side of the fork on the boot side and make sure it is sitting on to of the boot, not around it.

Smacking the side of the strut housing where the balljoint goes through should pop it free though.

[graveshaker]

A pickle fork used properly will not tear the boot. Place the flat side of the fork on the boot side and make sure it is sitting on to of the boot, not around it.

Smacking the side of the strut housing where the balljoint goes through should pop it free though.

This is how I use a pickle fork and never ripped a boot.

[BraveUlysses]

+1 for the BFH, 4 or 5 pound minimum. I like putting a socket over the ball joint so you can't mar the threads.

[funcrew]

I use a harbor freight ball joint separator, which doesn't cost much and is a bit less crude than a pickle fork. And I agree with everybody else about replacing your boots/ball joints/arms while you're in there.

[Dalejandrino]

Got the first strut off. the tie rod on the passenger side is stuck on there. I've soaked it in WD-40 (it's all i have) and hammered the side. I was expecting the same result as the driver side control arm but I havent had any luck yet.

Any advice?

[Dalejandrino]

I gave up with the BFH and picked up a pickle fork. I had my dad smack it for me hehe. Tie rod and control arm came off, but now the boots are ripped. Too poor to afford new parts so I'm sticking with those until they die.

Thanks everyone for the help! It was much appreciated.

[jeffnhiscars]

My Zinno Cabrio just turned 100k so the steering is fairly tight but the boots are gone. Since I have a reman'ed e36 rack on its way I plan to repaint the control arms and tierods & to install new CAB's, sway bar link/bushing and...new boots on the tierods and CA's

http://www.balljointboots.co.uk/

4x#4 and 2x#1 came to $15 delivered and a good vendor to deal with

[millsamus]

Highly Recomended

you need one of these


i was in the same situation as you. the pickle fork did not work and ripped the boot to shreds.

this tool can be found at harbor freight for cheap and is honestly my favorite tool i own.

This tool saved me a good 2 hours !!! WOW BUY THIS RIGHT NOW IF YOU DONT HAVE IT! Paid $19.99 for mine

[BraveUlysses]

Got the first strut off. the tie rod on the passenger side is stuck on there. I've soaked it in WD-40 (it's all i have) and hammered the side. I was expecting the same result as the driver side control arm but I havent had any luck yet.

Any advice?

Don't expect much from WD40--try P'blaster or Liquid Wrench next time