deepbluejh

So I'm working on swapping the axle cups on my car. I've read through all of the thread on the matter, but I've gotten stuck.

Three questions
- Is the pictured balljoint below the one I'm supposed to remove in order to remove the axle? I've hit the top of the bolt with a hammer and can't seem to knock it loose.
- I asked for a balljoint removal tool at PepBoys (free rental) and they gave me the below tool. I've positioned it every way I know how and can't seem to find the right angle for separation of the joint. Is this the right tool or do I need something else?
- Exactly how do you get to the six inboard axle bolts? It looks like my two options are either a wrench and an impact wrench. I can't seem to get enough "pull" with a manual wrench lying underneath my car on my back and I can't fit my impact wrench though the suspension to get at the bolts. Does clearance get a lot better when you separate the ball joint? Anything else I should be trying?

Thank you!

Rays S2k

What I do is put the jack under the ball joint raise up the a few times grab a hammer and hit the steering knuckle it'll come right off

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starchland

Get a longer wrench and I think you need an Allen head type socket for the bolt.

Pop the ballpoint on the Lca right by where the lower shock mounts

deepbluejh

When the car is raised, will there be any compression in the suspension? Will I need to recompress anything before I bolt it back together?

Also, do I just pop the joint on the lower control arm? What about the balljoint on the straight rod going to the steering knuckle?

Rays S2k

There will be a compression on the suspension but not much and no need to re-compress nothing

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Rays S2k

The straight rod stays

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Rays S2k

You don't have to do anything with it

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deepbluejh

Ok well... I can't get the lower ball joint to break loose. I've used the jack method and hit the knuckle with a hammer. I've also used the separation tool and cranked it until it started to deform and push off the balljoint threads. It absolutely won't come off.

Unless there is something very obvious I'm missing that's going to make this job easier, I'm ready to bolt everything back up and take it to a shop.

Billman250

1. unbolt abs sensor from knuckle. Do it first or it will break the wire when you DO pop the lower ball joint (which is NOT the joint in your picture)

2. Get a proper ball joint removal tool, you'll have it popped in 10 seconds.

The tool pictured is for small tie rod ends, not ball joints of this size.

deepbluejh

Thanks Billman. I realized I had the wrong joint pictured in the OP. I've since bolted that up and started working on the correct ball joint. ABS sensor is already unbolted and out of the way.