3 Ways to Remove Ball Joint Rivets!

In the video, 1A Auto shows how to remove riveted ball joints using three different methods, with different tools.

🔧 List of tools used:
• Drill
• Rust Penetrant

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[williamskelton]

Slow the drill RPM and the BIT may just cut more aggressively

[richardposey]

Hello Andy, you have been much help in the past. Today I replaced the front wheel bearing on a 2014 Traverse when I noticed the riveted ball joints. I don't have an air chisel but I put it on my shopping list. Many thanks.

[albertoascari]

Nice simple clear video and instructions. I've seen a few hack jobs and this is nice and simple and clear no messing. Thanks

[tomadamson]

I was laughing my butt off watching this guy burn up about 5 drill bits🤣 When drilling apply pressure and drill slowly, you'll see the metal shavings come out like curly fries. If it starts smoking and squeaking like that you've just ruined your bit,

[gimlitheodd]

Why not use a angle grinder and just grind the head off? Or is the cutting wheel faster?

[SirPractical]

An old timer on youtube mentioned to drill slow and push hard when drilling metal. That way the tip doesn't overheat. Should be strands of metal coming off vs small flakes.

[bjohnsonsv]

#3 looks like the winner. So glad I found this video. I will use the x and airhammer method. I have a 1972 Revcon RV that uses Oldsmobile Tornonado suspension with the 3 hole upper ball joints.

[pauld]

I did a 2003 Michigan Astro AWD lower B. J. & I tried everything, heat, air hammer, after the head was removed. Wouldn't budge, So had to drill all 4 out.what a PITA. The videos I watch those vehicles aren't in the rust belt with 200, 000 miles on them. Because the Rivets just don't pop out with a couple taps from a ballpean & punch!! Big job here in the rust belt!! Lol

[matthewroot]

These are supposed to be DYI videos, but your showing how to do it on a shop lift. How many people have one of those. I know I'm doing it on the ground and have to go from the top which a few parts had to be removed to get to them.

[MrDausen]

Thanks for the video, you made the task look easy.

[lawrencepellegrini]

Nice and informative showing several removal methods, now I will jump on my little headache, thanks for the help !

[famosisimo]

Thanks so much for the great ideas...getting ready to work on mine.

[MrTaxiRob]

Never use a drill bit that's bigger than the hole in the control arm. Check the size of the bolt hole in your new ball joint as a reference. Be patient, keep your bit centered, and keep it oiled. Best method to limit damage to the arm.

[Alpha-]

Thank goodness I found you guys, ordered from you guys couple days and having a hell on earth with rivets, will try this methods tomorrow.thanks

[hed_shtz__]

Awesome video!! I'll be trying the grinder method.. Thank you💯💯💯

[jaimejay]

Theres a crack in that lower control arm within the left hole you drilled out. Will that be an issue later?

[BACKLIFE]

This worked great for me today!! I used the x method

[pharmdog]

Thank you lord baby jesus for this video! Love your videos and I will buy parts from you because of this!

[gnuylxz]

I don't know what design idiot used rivets instead of bolts but I have the same problem with my 1999 Dodge Dakota . As you can imagine the whole front end needs replaced. I bought a new kit that gives me everything I need to upgrade my truck. I don't have a lift like you have so I actually have to work on the rivets from the top side. I'm not a mechanic by any means but I have to do this because I don't have the extra couple thousand to get it done.
Great video and I'm going to score the top, then cut it off and if need be do some light grinding to get them out. Wish me luck