OT: Ball joint tool

[Ian]

Has anyone found a good tool for removing ball joints? I want to reuse the ball joint on my e46, so don't want a pickle-fork. I tried the Horror Freight ball joint separator (http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-forged-ball-point-joint-separator-99849.html), but it wore out after removing one tie-rod. The threaded driving bolt for the HF tool started grinding into the soft metal of the receiving arm of the tool, instead of forcing the two arms apart.

Thanks for any suggestions. This is for an outer ball joint in a control arm of a 325xiT, so I don't have much room over the top of the threaded rod of the ball joint, and can't use the larger tools that look like giant "C" clamps.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[M3M3]

i never use those separators. torch steering arm cup, hit cup with hammer. if that does not work, put nut on top of ball joint so top is level with top of threads and hit the "dent" in the joint with an air hammer.

helps if steering arm is in a big vice....

[Ian]

Hi Marshall,

So far hitting the arm with a BFH has not made the ball joint drop. I haven't tried the torch yet, since I want to reuse the ball joint, and don't want to overheat the rubber boot. And I've only got about .25" clearance between the top of the threaded end of the outer ball joint and the outer CV joint of my 325xiT. Thus the need for a tool with some low-profile lever.

[M3M3]

ahhhhh.....not on an 02. that is a key piece of data.

i have been able to get some of the ball joints apart on my 325it/325's/M3 using careful heat and tapping. the rest were all pickle forked. no room on top to get at them. i gave up trying to save them and now just default to control arm replacement.

[Ian]

ahhhhh.....not on an 02. that is a key piece of data.

Yeah, it's a bit off topic, but I find that there is more useful mechanic knowledge on this board than on boards for the newer cars. And what mechanic doesn't crave general tool knowledge??? I've edited my original post to reflect the e46 content.

[BLUNT]

Ian BMW sells a version of the harbor freight tool. I have one and it works well. This looks like the BMW tool but mine doesnt say Koch on it I bet its the same though.. Lots of money but it works and lasts The key Ive found is to put it on the joint and tighten it to put lots of stress on it and then smack the side and it just pops out

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ball-Joint-Separator-Tool-/271103887081?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item3f1f0d06e9&vxp=mtr

[TobyB]

Huh- I've used that HF tool with much success on E30/36's.

Must be they've declined in quality...

The smack, though, is the key- you hit the SIDE of the tapered hole in the

strut, and amazing things happen.

Only learned that relatively recently.

t

[tim385]

I guess you have tried the "cracking method" putting one hammer on one side of the housing where the tapered knuckle goes thru and giving the opposite side a hard smack with another hammer?This sometimes can work .+ bit or WD40 +little heat., then a tap on top with the top of the nut flush with the top of the tread (I guess that this may not be possible in your case)

[tim385]

I guess you have tried the "cracking method" putting one hammer on one side of the housing where the tapered knuckle goes thru and giving the opposite side a hard smack with another hammer?This sometimes can work .+ bit or WD40 +little heat., then a tap on top with the top of the nut flush with the top of the tread (I guess that this may not be possible in your case)