Ball Joint tools

Wig

What is the gold standard for Ball Joint removal tools?

I would like a tool that will force open the clamp on the strut/hub, do these exist?

Using a cold chisel/big screwdriver is not very easy.

I have seen tools advertised that press the ball joint out from the clamp...
and What I do is hammer down onto the wishbone arm using a big drift.

The hammering is putting a lot of pressure on the internals of the ball joint. not good.

I have not seen one of these press tools in action though. and how easy they are to use and if they pressure the ball joint internals at all.

caprikid1

A lot of it depends on what I'm trying to do.


If I am removing broken / worn components then I have a big split wedge and a lump hammer.


If I need to reuse then I have screw down ball joint splitter


Draper 28882 Expert Ball Joint Seperator Splitter Car


I find the above tool a godsend after years of abusing/ damaging rubbers.

caprikid1

HEAVY DUTY 16" 400MM BALL JOINT REMOVER SPLITTER SEPARATOR TIE ROD END


Is my quick smash it off tool

andygb

Those large "tuning fork" style splitters are really great for ball joints, and can be used for easing caliper pistons back when fitting new brake pads.

caprikid1

Forks are great but often damage rubbers

foxy-stoat

Smear the rubber gator with grease and you should be able to remove the ball joint without damage, try and poke the gator around so it doesn't pinch the tool.


Good lucks

EdGasket

Wig wrote: »

What is the gold standard for Ball Joint removal tools?

I would like a tool that will force open the clamp on the strut/hub, do these exist?

Not sure what you are trying to do there Wig? Force what exactly??

The pickle forks are rubbish and will always damage the balljoint; that might be OK if you are replacing the joint but not otherwise.
The Draper 28882 is the best type for splitting balljoints but if you are re-using the ball joint you still have to be careful it doesn't mess up the thread.
You can often split a taper with no special tool and no damage to the balljoint just by hitting the taper housing with a hammer while applying leverage on the joint.

Jackmydad

I use a couple, a "scissor" type for joints that will be reused, and a wedge type otherwise.
Mate of mine always did the job with a couple of hammers, one either side of the taper housing, and give them a sharp tap at the same time.
I've never had much luck with that myself.

forgotmyname

I have claw and scissor style splitters and the wedge style, avoid the aluminium
wedges they bend far too easily. Use a steel wedge.

Each application will have tools that will or won't fit.

Do you have room for a large scissor splitter or a claw style?

esmerobbo

I am guessing you mean the clamp type rather then the taper type?

If my guess is correct you mean something to open up the clamped joint. I made one from a Allen socket ground down flat which goes in the gap you then twist it to relieve the pressure on the shaft.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Spreader-Strut-Wheel-Bearing-Housing-Ball-Joint-Spreader-Socket-Set/381877149862?_trksid=p2385738.c100677.m4598&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908110712%26meid%3D08414c8c7ac64fdb86606f8632e9af59%26pid%3D100677%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D3%26sd%3D201405299258