ball joint replacement problems

[big dan]

recently I discovered that I needed to replace 2 of my ball joints. no big deal I got all 4 so I could replace them while I had it apart. the problem is that I broke 3 ball joint seperators trying to remove one side. is there anything I can do to loosen them up?
thanks

 

[70jimmy]

use a small sledge or ball peen and smack on the area around the ball joint. Not on the knuckle but the part that is attached to the axle. Took me about 5 wacks and it comes out. alternate between top and bottom. I didn't even touch a separator. Good luck!!

Might throw the nuts on a few threads in case your aim is a little off!!

 

[K5Greek]

use a small sledge or ball peen and smack on the area around the ball joint. Not on the knuckle but the part that is attached to the axle. Took me about 5 wacks and it comes out. alternate between top and bottom. I didn't even touch a separator. Good luck!!

Might throw the nuts on a few threads in case your aim is a little off!!

what he said, this is also what my auto tech teachers tells us. i think most areas have a little piece that sticks out not much but you should notice a difference and that is where you hit it..2-3 hits and you should be loose.

 

[Zeus33rd]

You're not gonna use the old ones right? Just screw the nut back on a bit and wail on the top ball joint with a big ass sledge.. Doesn't matter if the nut or ball joint gets fuucked up, you alread have new stuff.

 

[big dan]

course Im not gonna use the old ones. they're pretty bad. when its sitting still the top of the tire points in and the bottom points out so I got all 4 new ones. Ill try the advice mentioned and see if that helps. One more question, would heating them help any?
thanks

 

[MoonMan]

Try loosening the sleeve on the upper ball joint.

 

[Citizen Rider]

PB Blaster is your friend!!!

Heat can help, but you need an oxy-acetelyne torch and it takes alot to get it hot enough, then hammering them out. I did them on jeeps a couple times. Best thing is to just wale on them with a big sledge.