Ball Joint Removal Tool

[Gerald C.]

To All, Please see article I drafted with pictures. Hope it helps:


Jerry Coia

I would assume we’ve all had our challenges removing ball joints with the old fashioned “pickle fork”. In addition, many times the ball joint will not release, regardless how many times you pound on the fork. Along with this challenge, you’re ruining the rubber cups along the way. I ran into this issue while restoring my 63 in the past. I felt there had to be a better way. Going through several corvette related websites, I came across an article that featured this tool. I bought the tool from Harbor Freight for about $10.00 and gave it a shot. It worked great with no further damage to the rubber cups. The only modification I had to make was opening the top part of the tool (by using the full width of a grinding wheel). Then pushed the tool onto the ball joint and putting the other side on the ball joint stud. I tightened the bolt with a long extension socket. It will “pop” eventually, kind of like a Jack-in-the-box. But well worth the “surprise”. I’ve used this tool a few times without damage to me, the tool or the ball joint. Well worth the $10.00. Here's the link:
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-qu...U(s),2.40%20lb.
Side-1.jpgSide-2.jpgTop.jpg

[Fred Y.]

Re: Ball Joint Removal Tool

Yes , I have one . They work well. Next time to avoid the surprise just get it tightened down good & tight & THEN give it a whack on the side with your ball peen hammer. It will POP right off.

One of these days , I'd like to learn how the rebuilders heat up the replacement rivets when they install the new ball joints. I'm sure there must be a jig they use that holds it all secure while they use a impact hammer to peen the rivet over as original. Probably easier to send to Bairs etc for them to do this. That is what " they do"---

[Terry M.]

Re: Ball Joint Removal Tool

I like this tool to pop them loose from the spindle. Less chance of damage to the rubber boots and good control of the force.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/PmQAAOSwer5ijDms/s-l1600.jpg

Sorry I couldn't figure out how to get the image in this post. Hopefully the link will work.

[Mark E.]

Re: Ball Joint Removal Tool

Terry,

Help me visualize how your tool is used.

Try a ball joint pickle fork attachment for an air hammer. I've found low energy, repeated impacts of the air hammer usually loosens the press fit with less force than using a press, which means a less explosive release. Similar in concept to using an impact wrench vs. breaker bar for stubborn fasteners.

[Terry M.]

Re: Ball Joint Removal Tool

Terry,

Help me visualize how your tool is used.

Try a ball joint pickle fork attachment for an air hammer. I've found low energy, repeated impacts of the air hammer usually loosens the press fit with less force than using a press, which means a less explosive release. Similar in concept to using an impact wrench vs. breaker bar for stubborn fasteners.

Sorry for the poor image.

The part consisted of two pieces. The smaller diameter part threads into the larger hex piece. The threads are National Fine. One of the ball stud nuts is loosened a bit to allow about 1/8-inch gap between the nut and the control arm. The tool is installed between the two Ball joint studs and the tool is turned so that it gats longer thus forcing the stud from the control arm. Once the stud with the loosened nut is free the other stud nutcan be loosened and the tool again inserted, this time it will have to be shortened before installation. It is again turned to lengthen, and the other stud will pop free.

Thus there is more control and less danger.

There is a Kent Moore tool number for this, but I am on the road and have no access to my toolbox. I can look for those numbers next week. There are at least two Kent Moore tools of different lengths for different vehicles. I suspect there are more than two, but I only have two. That is all I have ever needed. There are other manufactures than Kent Moore, but I prefer the quality of their product. I'll get a better image when I get home also. however the tool is dark oxide plated and it is difficult to get the detail in a photograph of it.

[Gerald C.]

Re: Ball Joint Removal Tool

I just saw a video on Facebook of this tool being used. Instead of using a breaker bar to tighten the tool, the video shows a torgue being used.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Ball Joint Removal Tool

the video shows a torgue being used.

A what ?

[Terry M.]

Re: Ball Joint Removal Tool

I use a pair of open end wrenchs. It's not rocket sciende.

[David Z.]

Re: Ball Joint Removal Tool

I pulled this info together into a PDF with some added info regarding the Kent Moore removal tool. As Terry indicated, there are multiple versions with different part numbers. Interesting tool. Thanks Gerald and Terry.
Dave Z

[Gerald C.]

Re: Ball Joint Removal Tool

torque wrench. Fat and slow fingers!

[Terry M.]

Re: Ball Joint Removal Tool

I pulled this info together into a PDF with some added info regarding the Kent Moore removal tool. As Terry indicated, there are multiple versions with different part numbers. Interesting tool. Thanks Gerald and Terry.
Dave Z

Thank you Dave. very well done.

If i could edit my post regarding how the Kent Moore tool is used, I would state that when the tool is used to loosen the first ball stud it (the balll stud) is released from the spindle not the control arm. Hopefully my error in my late-night post doesn't cconfuse people. And of course, the lower control arm has to be supported, generally with a floor jack, to keep the spring from releasing as the ball joints are being seperated. That is why I suggested only loosening te nuts a small amount. The stored energy in a loaded spring is very dangerious. Be careful.

[Gerald C.]

Re: Ball Joint Removal Tool

Thanks Dave. Very Helpful!

[David Z.]

Re: Ball Joint Removal Tool

Terry
I added your note to the document.
Revised PDF is attached.
Thanks again to you and Gerald for this discussion.
Dave Z