I'm trying to do the front ball joints. I am working on the front driver's side first. I am down to taking the knuckle off, but I cannot get it to budge. I have followed the RAVE manual, but I am using a "pickle fork" as I have heard it called, and not the exact tool listed in the RAVE. I cannot get it to budge off the ball joints. Maybe of note, but the bottom ball joint seems to twist when I move the knuckle, I can see the threads moving. The top doesn't do that. I've been hammering at it (1/2 kg sledge) on the fork for maybe 1.5 hours now. I've soaked it before in penetrating oil, but I have it soaking again. Any tips to get that damn thing off?

 

This is one of the more frustrating disco projects, sorry it’s giving you grief. So I’ve found the most success by giving it a blow with a sledge on that top flat spot.

I’ve started with a dead blow mallet, then escalated to a 3lb, and then finally knocked it off with a 5-er.

 

Yea. After some reading, I think I am going to need a bigger sledge. I started with a dead blow, then a ball-pin hammer, now a small sledge. I've also seen its supposed to be hit right by the taper joint, but so far that has done nothing. Sounds like I am off to the store again...

 

Sorry for the struggles. Land Rovers are good reasons to buy good tools. I like to back the section up with one heavy hammer, then whack it on the opposite side. Theory is to cause a slight deformation that allows the taper to drop out. Maybe also use a clamp-style remover to create some tension prior to hammering. Some heat might also help, for a bit of expansion. Once the technique is perfected, it takes only minutes. Check out online videos. Note the tapers fit so closely that penetrating oil does not penetrate.

 

Interesting about the oil. Should have figured that. I sold a lot of my tools when moving from the US to here, slowly reacquiring. My 15 lbs maul would have been handy today... Alas. I've gotten a larger, 6lbs sledge now I will try in the morning, then go suggestion by suggestion until it clears.

 

Probably the most precision engineered part on these things haha

 

What about heat and wax? that may be just enough to get it loose? It always hard to tell what did loosened a fitting, but I seem to have had luck that a number of times. Could have been the penetrant or heat or anything else I used, but it seems to have helped.

 

I thought I posted, but I don't see it. I was able to procure a 2.7kg sledge hammer, and after about 5 minutes of hitting the taper joint it broke loose. Ball joints are replaced now. ☺️

 

Great feeling isn't it?

 

Totally! I'll tackle the other side this summer when I have some more time. The power steering pump is a little more pressing...