How to Break a Ball Joint Free - 4 Different Ways

Four different ways on how to remove or replace a ball joint. Depending if you’re reusing the ball joint or not will affect which method best fits your application and I will be covering this on each of the removal options. Ball joints equipped with a taper are typically used on tie rods and the connection between the control arm and steering knuckle. Once that taper on a ball joint breaks loose, it’s free so there is no struggle such as what you may find with a slide in cylinder shaped object. #suspension #steering #autorepair

Amazon links for various products used in the video for both USA and Canada:
USA:
Canada:

Method #1:
This remove process is recommended when you’re not reusing the ball joints as you can damage the threads on the stud. Here I was having a little trouble with the tuning fork, so instead I gave the threaded stud a few hits with a hammer and the taper came free. If you are worried about damaging the threads, you can use a brass hammer which will be softer than the stud or install a nut that sits flush on the threads stud.

Method #2:
This method can be used when reusing a ball joint and doesn’t require any specialty tools. This is simply hitting the side of the casting with a hammer on the steering knuckle right at the ball joint. The shock from the hit provides enough vibration to the taper free. However it doesn’t always work as there maybe tension push towards the steering knuckle, preventing the ball joint from breaking free. This method should not be used on cast aluminum components as you can crack the casting.

Method #3:
Using a tuning fork. There is a variety of styles available, some are solid or some have replaceable ends such as what I have. Unfortunately when using a tuning fork, there is a large risk of damaging the ball joint’s boot which jeopardizes it’s life expectancy. Once a ball joint’s boot is ripped, this allows grease to escape and a spot for foreign contaminants to enter, wearing out the ball joint quicker. Tuning forks have a variety of opening sizes, you’ll need to pick the correct size which fits somewhat tight around the ball joints shaft. The fork is shaped as a wedge, when hit with a hammer it forced itself between the ball joint and steering knuckle, breaking the taper free.

Method #4:
Using a ball joint separate. Again a specialty tool like a tuning fork, available in a variety of sizes, and some designs can vary. This tool allows you to reuse the old ball joint with no damage. Ensure the opening is the right size, this particular separator has a size adjustment, install it into place. The bar on the top pushes against the ball joints threaded stud, while the fork shaped portion pushed against the steering knuckle. The bolt is tightened on the opposite side, working on leverage to break the taper free. If you are having a little trouble, sometimes you can give the taper a quick hit with the hammer, provide a shock helping break the taper free. However as mentioned earlier, hitting an aluminum casting with a hammer is not recommended.

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© 4DIYers 2013
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No part of this video or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted, without the prior written consent of the author.

[DIYers]

Amazon links for various products used in the video for both USA and Canada:
USA:
Canada:

[tedbear]

No music. Well recorded voice instructions and clear pictures. If only other Youtubers could do as good as this. Brilliant. Thank you.

[jackschitt]

Thumbs up for using the right tools! I've seen too many people heat a ball joint. That is the worst thing you can do to something that's pressed in to place. It can shoot out like a bullet and kill you if you heat it. Don't do the job if you don't have the right tools. You can borrow or rent tools from just about any auto parts store if you can't afford to buy and don't have a friend to borrow from. You're taking a risk of losing a limb or your life using the wrong tool(s).

[SuperBillybobbobbill]

I love the comments on this video, I can really feel the pain. I must have hit that fork very hard with a club hammer 500 times before it suddenly fell apart. I am replacing the lower control arm and ball joint so I wasn’t being careful. Don’t give up just keep hitting the bloody thing!

[frederickmills]

Your tips were awesome because I have been struggling getting a lower ball joint loose

[joeaverager]

When I hammer a balljoint or tie rod end to replace it - use a scissor's jack under the end of the threaded portion. Leave the castle nut on but loosened to protect the threads if you are re-using it.


With tension on the end of the balljoint or tie rod threaded portion, whack the steering knuckle next to it and for a split second it will vibrate and deform releasing the tapered shaft. With the nut still on the threaded portion it can only move 1/8" or so and there are no safety issues either.


This also works on shafts which need to be protected like steering boxes. Whack on both sides at the same time with two heavy hammers. Doesn't take too much. I have also wedged a hammer between a steering box and the frame rail to vibrate the shaft but not damage anything.

[alexmarquez]

I personally found that attaching a big steel pipe to the end of the pickle fork and pressing down on the pipe finally made the SOB pop out, this should work great if you have a Charger/Challenger/300/Magnum

[Surge]

Ended up mushrooming the top of the bolt so I'll have to cut the bolt once I get the sucker loose so it'll fit out! Replacing the parts anyway. Thanks for the video!

[MrCube]

If you lubricate the fork with silicone oil this greatly reduces the chance of damaging the rubber boot

[Slverspike]

What if the ball joint is detached from the control arm and stuck. I’ve tried a clamp and can’t get it out

[m.s.patrick]

classic riviera 3 corners new springs and shocks! slow work but cheaper than the shop. i get to the drivers side front the tie rod and the ball joint will NOT separate, going to try to get the lever and screw(#4 in the vid) at the parts store/ tool wholesale tomorrow. removing full size Buick springs is as nerve racking as combat and probly more dangerous.

[arnomaas]

Very thorough and explanatory presentation !

[WinterTires-uvmr]

Suspension is rusty and ugly like mine thats why i clicked to see how it is possible to remove? Spent 3 hrs trying to remove ball joint but no luck. Your video gave me hope especially with basic tools not hydro or air gun. Thanks!

[stock.E]

Even the ball joint separator didn’t divide them for me 😂

[gandalfwhite]

nice video, missed out on the problem with the spinning nut.. that's driving me nuts, and cant smash a fork into it since i need to reuse the ball joint

[xpmark]

Thanks.Good explanations and video quality was good.

[ronpilchowski]

I always had good luck with method #2 but with 2 hammers . Strike both sides at The same time strike the nut on threaded end, and POP!!!!

[jasonmckeaigg]

Tuning fork ...rich...thanks for share good video👍

[kmq]

Just used the BFH method to break free my steering so I could adjust something. Thanks!

[lkytmryan]

How do you find a ball joint separator to fit your vehicle? I have a 2005 Honda CRV. do you have to go buy the part and then try different tools?

I don't mind spending the cash for a tool, but I would like to know it is going to work first.