steering and suspension Ball Joint Puller/remover Help Please

[mickem02]

Hi,

 

which ball joint puller/remover should I use to remove the pitman arm as in the picture? I have never seen one like this before. I would like to pull the steering box for a gasket replacement. 

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

Edited November 29, 2013 by mickem02

[TobyB]

That's one of the toughest rod ends I've ever had the (dis) pleasure to pull apart.

And they often fail, just to add insult to injury.

 

I have a relatively generic Old Forge puller that I wedge on there, get a bit of

pressure against it,

then whack on the side of the arm- that usually does it.

 

If it was mine, I would replace it while I was at it...

 

t

[jdeitch]

I purchased this tool for working on my classic mini, but have since used it on numerous other cars.  Very stout.  I use it with my electric impact wrench.   Works like a charm and does not damage anything.

Edited November 30, 2013 by jdeitch

[jdeitch]

$51.26 at 7ent.com. Part # STL0008

[Hans]

Or try harbor Freight. A pickle fork may work, but that destroys the rubber boot. You can try loosening the nut, apply PB blaster, let sit overnight, then rap both sides of the arm (the donut if you will holding the tie rod shaft) with good metal hammers.

[Simeon]

I purchased this tool for working on my classic mini, but have since used it on numerous other cars. Very stout. I use it with my electric impact wrench. Works like a charm and does not damage anything.

+1 with this style of tool. Never failed for me on all kinds of joints on all kinds of cars. Even used it as a small puller on other things.

[xferboy]

I got one of these and have been very happy with it.

 

http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/Steering-And-Suspension/Tie-Rod-Puller/8061848.p

 

I'm sure HF has something similar for the folk that are wondering why they ate so much turkey this weekend.

[Andy74tii]

I second the harbor freight idea. I bought one of these like in the picture, and it is literally an amazing tool, works every time. Before that, I used heat, banging on the side of the damn thing for hours, never worked. This thing works. Just be sure to wear eye wear, and be prepared for the loud POP!

[TobyB]

The Old Forge I have looks very much like the Princess Auto version.

 

The 'two hammer smack' has also been surprisingly successful.  Counterintuitive at first...

 

But I've pickle- forked the ugly things off quite often.  They usually need replacing anyways.

 

t

[jessiejake02]

 I got one these. best one I've ever tried.

[rover1]

• please dont use a pickle fork 

[Hans]

I've not had much luck with the long style puller - too wobbly. The shorter item in the pictures above are easier to control, but I remember winding on a LOT of pressure and wondering whether the tie rod or the tool would pop first. I'd wear safety glasses and be VERY careful.

[TobyB]

 

please dont use a pickle fork

just try to stop me!

 

t

[ahlem]

With the scissors type, you put a reasonable amount of pressure on them then a small whack. Napa also has them. If you try to torque them all the way off by just tightening the bolt, you might cross thread the thing.

[mickem02]

I just want to tell you how it went. A couple of hard whacks with a hammer on the side of the pitman arm and then the balljoint popped! No puller/fork was ever needed.

Thanks for the help.

 

 

Cheers Micke

Edited January 17, 2014 by mickem02