Rear upper control arm is stuck.

Tiny
DUSABRIVE
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 HONDA ACCORD
  • 242,000 MILES
I'm replacing the rear upper control arm; but the stem of the ball joint(located on the far end of the control arm)has fused into the opening of the rear wheel knuckle. There is no nut or cotter pin remaining. The ball joint bolt has broken off flush with the knuckle. It's rigid, not movable and fused inside the knuckle opening.

What's the best way to remove it so that I can replace the entire control arm? Would heating the knuckle with a propane torch work?

Thank You.
Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 AT 6:57 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
So do you still have that broken bolt holding the ball joint in place?If so your going to have to get a punch and knock the bolt out.I would try a penertrant like pjb blaster liquid wrench etc and let that soak in for a while. Then try a tie rod or ball joint pickle fork which ever fits better and see if it will pop loose that way. If that does work then a propane torch to heat it up. You may end up changing the knuckle also if its too frozen.
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 AT 7:14 PM

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