Thread: Help (Sutherland NSW) - Discovery front ball joints won't budge

I usually just hit the metal that houses the taper with a big hammer, a lot if needed. Put the nut a few threads on the ball joint bolt to stop it from falling when it comes loose, and to protect the thread if you are re using which it seems you are not. THis method has always worked for me. Good luck.

Hi,

In the old days I used to back the nut off so the end of the thread was covered, put a bottle jack under the nut and put a little bit of upward pressure on it.

Would then gently heat the taper surround with a pin torch and wait for it to pop, which it always did.

I put a smear of grease on the tapers these days and only have to hit the loosened nut upwards, actually quite gently, to get them to pop.

DL

The OP is referring to the ball joints securing the hub assy to the axle housing, not the usual steering type ball joints. Getting these out of the axle housing can be a real PITA.

Scouse,

You are on the money with regards to what I am trying to remove. PITA is an understatement as these appear to have been there a long time and are quite set in their ways.

Will try more heat today with a variety of press techniques / swearing etc.

Thanks

Woohoo,

Got the left lower joint out. 6 hours....
Tools used -
1x small sledge hammer
1x air hammer
1x air drill (various drill sizes)
1x ball joint press (bentish)
2 cold chisels
1x 4' extension pipe
36x various swear words
1x angle grinder (cutting and grinding wheels)

After a lot of effort, cutting out the base of the lower joint then drilling the sidewall until just breaching the casing finally got one out. This can't be natural. Some bastard must have loctited these in for giggles.

Now only three more to go, then putting new ones back in.

Originally Posted by eckolsim

Woohoo,

Got the left lower joint out. 6 hours....
Tools used -
1x small sledge hammer
1x air hammer
1x air drill (various drill sizes)
1x ball joint press (bentish)
2 cold chisels
1x 4' extension pipe
36x various swear words
1x angle grinder (cutting and grinding wheels)

After a lot of effort, cutting out the base of the lower joint then drilling the sidewall until just breaching the casing finally got one out. This can't be natural. Some bastard must have loctited these in for giggles.

Now only three more to go, then putting new ones back in.

I bought one of these kits , its the same as the one used in the Vid swearing and skinned knuckles, I loaned it to a couple of people they did the job without too much fuss. Around $150 delivered when I bought mine.
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