Lower ball joint removal

GINGERBREAD689

MEMBER
2001 FORD MUSTANG
3.8L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
190,000 MILES

I'm in the process of replacing both lower ball joints, but they are stuck in the knuckles. I've tried everything. I have bent my pry bar, used a jack to push it out and used a ball joint separator all while spraying it with a healthy coating of PB Blaster. As a last resort I even tried to expand the metal with a blow torch. After hours of hammering on each side, neither has moved. Are there any other methods that I should try? Thanks!

1 Reply

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good evening,

Do you have it jacked up on the frame or under the control arm?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-release-a-ball-joint

Do not ever use a torch on the spindle. It will damage the spindle and require replacing.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/lower-control-arm-bushing-replacement

Also, when I do these jobs, I replace the entire lower arm with the joint. I had too many issues with the ball joint not staying pressed in the arm and coming out of the arm.

Roy

Removal

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number or an equivalent part must be installed, if installation is necessary. Do not use a part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to ensure correct retention of these parts.

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1. Mark the front shock absorber relative to the protective sleeve with the vehicle in a static, level ground position (curb height).
2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
3. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
4. Remove the front brake disc shield.

5. CAUTION: To prevent damage to the front suspension lower arm do not remove the nut from the ball joint at this time.

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Disconnect the ball joint stud from the arm.
Loosen the nut two or three turns.
Sharply rap on the front wheel spindle at the ball joint connection to disconnect the ball joint stud.
6. Remove the front coil spring.

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7. Remove the nut and the front suspension lower control arm. Discard the nut.

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