Getting control arms off without killing the ball joints?

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  • turboeta
    E30 Addict
    • Aug 2007
    • 571

    #1

    Getting control arms off without killing the ball joints?

    So I'm at a stand still right now with my billy/H&R race install, the passenger side ball joint is stuck in the strut housing. I just replaced the control arms about 2 months ago, I had to resort to the pickle fork and the old ball joints got good and f-ed.

    Any ideas on the best way to get it off with out ruining the joint?

    635csi Euro/Alpina B7S
  • Aptyp
    R3V OG
    • Feb 2008
    • 6584

    #2
    harbor freight has a tool set for $80 for ball joint removal. In that set there 1 tool that does an amazing job.

    http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=92882

    right upper corner of the set. Find it sold individually, if you can, and tell me where you found it.

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    • Aptyp
      R3V OG
      • Feb 2008
      • 6584

      #3
      http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00971255000P

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      • golde30
        R3V OG
        • Nov 2003
        • 11464

        #4
        yes. some version of this tool gets the job done quick and easy. i have one also, but it looks a lil different, more beefy. i think mine is blue point, but i dont remember.
        IG: @Baye30

        FRONT VALENCE IS ZENDER!!! STOP FILLING MY PM BOX PPL!!!

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        • Sam Cogley
          E30 Addict
          • Jun 2008
          • 521

          #5
          Originally posted by Aptyp
          harbor freight has a tool set for $80 for ball joint removal. In that set there 1 tool that does an amazing job.

          http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=92882

          right upper corner of the set. Find it sold individually, if you can, and tell me where you found it.
          HF used to sell it separately, that's where I got mine. JC Whitney sells it for about $20. It's the only real tool for separating a ball joint, pickle forks are for Neanderthals.

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          • Quadrajet
            E30 Fanatic
            • Jul 2008
            • 1278

            #6
            I usually just give the mounting boss area,the part where the stem of the ball joint fits in, a couple good smacks with a hammer on the side. It gets the job done for the most part.
            Another technique I've seen used, if you have an air hammer, is to take a blunt tip and run it in the side of the mounting boss, or unscrew the nut about 1/2 to 3/4 off, then take the air hammer with blunt tip to the tip of the ball joint stud. I used the last method to get my inner balljoints out of my spare front crossmember.

            Comment

            • Hellabad
              E30 Modder
              • Aug 2008
              • 807

              #7
              Originally posted by Quadrajet
              I usually just give the mounting boss area,the part where the stem of the ball joint fits in, a couple good smacks with a hammer on the side. It gets the job done for the most part.
              Another technique I've seen used, if you have an air hammer, is to take a blunt tip and run it in the side of the mounting boss, or unscrew the nut about 1/2 to 3/4 off, then take the air hammer with blunt tip to the tip of the ball joint stud. I used the last method to get my inner balljoints out of my spare front crossmember.
              This has always worked best for me. I use a hammer called a "minijack". I use it for other stuff too. Secret stuff.



              I couldnt find any better info on the internet.
              Here is my photo gallery answering common questions about Ground Control Suspension, and e30 suspension problems in general.
              Ground Control Gallery

              The Ground Control facebook page: Dragged, kicking and screaming into social media to see what happens next.
              Ground Control facebook page

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