95RedEX

Just wondering what you guys use to separate ball joints? I've used a pickle fork the last couple of times and I'm just not diggin' it anymore. I know there's little screw/leverage tools you can use to pop them out (for under $20), just curious if they really work without damaging the threads...?

rexracer

I've always liked pickle forks Why dont you like them?

95RedEX

My car's been sitting for a couple of months and I think they're a little seized. I hosed them down with some PBlaster last night, but I really don't want to damage the boots on the joint either with the fork. I guess I'd just like to find a better and easier way of popping them. Sometimes they're easy but right now, they're a bitch. Both of them. :P

rexracer

If you put some grease on the side of the fork thats against the boot theres much less of a chance ripping it.

Spenser

This is the only way I know of removing ball joints.

step one, wait till it gets so bad you can just pop it out




step two, press it out

gon3r

i've used a ball joint seperator before... goofy thing with 2 hooks and a bolt in the middle (pain in the *** to use) ended up mushrooming the end of the bolt coming out of the ball joint (squished it) for the castlated nut because they were so tight. oops, ball joint no good unless you have a die to run over the threads again. i'd rather replace a couple rubber boots than a complete ball joint. in my opinion the fork is the easiest, fastest and cheapest way to go.

95RedEX

That's what I was afraid of... I've seen ones like that and one like a lever so the screw doesn't actually press into the end of the stud, but I have a feeling either one would damage the threads. I've tried leaving the nut on and hitting the nut instead of the stud, but that doesn't work so hot either. I figured I'd ask around for once instead of buying some POS tool that doesn't work.

95RedEX

vs.



vs.

midnite racer x

Great find man i didn't even know that thing existed! Its $31 but i've ripped the rubber on both of my ball joints using the pickle fork
here's the product link - http://www.jtsindustrial.com/product...nfo-id-68.html

slowcivic

if you use the proper size fork, and grease the prongs on it, it won't rip your boot.