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Removing Lower Front Arm From Steering Knuckle?

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10K views 24 replies 11 participants last post by  quadboy-55  
#1 ·
I removed the nut and washer from the top of the ball-joint which holds the lower front arm to the steering knuckle along with everything the lower arm is connected to. But the ball-joint isn't sliding out of the steering knuckle. Any idea's on how to get that to slide on out? I've hit the top of the ball-joint with a hammer (I'm replacing it anyways) and tried standing on the lower arm but nothing has worked.

Here is a diagram that may help you guys out, and I can take a picture if you'd like:

Image
 
#2 ·
If im correct.

Keep taping on the spindle with a hammper, But Dont no matter what, tap on the threads.

Keep taping on the spindle, it will come out. Trust me i have a 04. I had alot of trouble getting mine out.
 
#3 ·
QUOTE (onebadyfz450 @ Oct 9 2009, 02:29 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=812388
If im correct.

Keep taping on the spindle with a hammper, But Dont no matter what, tap on the threads.

Keep taping on the spindle, it will come out. Trust me i have a 04. I had alot of trouble getting mine out.[/b]

Yeah, I tried tapping on the spindle but I'll try again. I did tap on the threads because I'm just throwing that one away.
 
#7 ·
spray some pb blaster on the joint, then take a hammer and hit the joint 3-4 nice hits and it will pop off, i did this thurs night, i had problems with the top aarm pins.
 
#8 ·
I think there's a slight misunderstanding. I'm not talking about the ball-joint from the spindle. I'm talking about the ball-joint into the steering knuckle. I think the general principle still applies and I'm going to spray some pb-blaster in there then try to get it out. Here's a picture of what I'm talking about:

Image
 
#9 ·
Ya it looks like it's been there a while. You're going to need to heat the aluminum.
Here is why it works.............

Metals grow or expand when heated. Aluminum transfers heat faster than steel, therefore the spindle will grow faster than the ball joint or tie rod end. This will loosen it on the taper, and let you pop it out.

Napa and Harbor freight also has this little tool that works pretty good.
Image
 
#10 ·
This is crazy! I went to Walmart and bought pb blaster and a butane torch. First, I tried the pb blaster and that didn't work then I used the torch to heat the steering knuckle and that didn't work either! I tried hitting it with a hammer and putting all my weight (~170lbs) on the lower arm and hopped up and down but to no avail.

Any idea's on why it seems almost seems welded in there? I guess I'm off to by that tool that was mentioned...
 
#11 ·
I rented that tool DADDIO recommended from NAPA and it's still not wanting to come off. You can see from the pictures how I applied the tool and I also tried using heat plus the tool and it still isn't wanting to come off. Any ideas?

Image


You can see the bolt in this picture is actually sliding to the edge of the tool:
Image
 
#12 ·
Okay, I finally got this sucker off. I had to apply heat at full blast while holding the tool steady with my foot and pulling on the wrench as hard as a could. Now on to removing the ball-joint for the spindle....I was able to do this on the other balljoint by tapping the side of the spindle - we'll see how this goes.
 
#16 ·
is it just me, or does your whole front end look a little rusted.....
 
#19 ·
#20 ·
When you go to put it back together. coat the ball joint shafts in Anti Seize so the'll come out a little easier next time.
 
#22 ·