mikesw

Trying to separate ball joint from steering knuckle. Have applied PB blaster, have rapped with hammer on side of knuckle where ball joint passes through. Using pickle fork and 2 lb sledge will not budge it no matter how hard I try. I would prefer to not apply heat. Any suggestions?

Thanx

Bert

Sounds like you're doing all you can. If it's that bad, try getting the pickle fork in as far as it will go and then hammer the side of the knuckle. You do have the jack away from under the arm so the spring is helping? You can also block the upper arm to hold it up a little from the shock holding it up too.

__________________
Bert

no_common_sens

You'll get farther with a bigger hammer too...no joke. I strongly recommend a 4lb hammer with an adequate handle. It doesn't mean the ball joint wont fight you anymore but it does drastically improve the likelyhood that you'll win sooner than later.

andyfanshawe

I always use a pitman arm puller for that joint. Works every time.

Andy.

__________________
lowcamaro

mikesw

Thanx for the replies guys. I covered all your suggestions, no luck. I also tried an air hammer with a pickle fork since I originally posted. Also no luck. I'm going to concede defeat on this one and pay my neighbor to do it at his garage. A man's got to know his limitations (Clint Eastwood)

Thanx again.

TxP71

Hey Mikesw, I literally just had to do this yesterday, my harmonic balancer went out in the morning(i know a good trick to get the bolt unstuck if anyone has this problem) we got that replaced(Me and a buddy) i told him id cook him steaks so we went to the store and on our way back down my bumpy drive way, my wheel comes off, and my car comes to a complete halt -.-, but anyways those fork thingys and a 4lb mallet worked for us
--<I(shitty attempt at what it kind of looks like have the fork kind of closer to the top and this may help turn around and swing it backwards if you know what i mean. anyways after a couple really strong hits the fork with the mallet(hitting it right on the end) and maybe two hits downwards on the remains of the ball joint it came right out. good luck and dont give up.

TxP71

also here ya go buddy found this at p71interceptor.com
Ford Crown Victoria Lower Balljoint Replacement
once again good luck mike.
TxP71