Help with ball joints, can't get steering knuckle off
#1
Help with ball joints, can't get steering knuckle off
I got the top joint of the steering knuckle loose, can feel it clicking. The bottom I've tried hitting it with two hammers (one sledge), hit the pickle in there for a while too. Got a 4" jaw puller, can't get it to line up properly so it just twists off when I tighten.
Probably going to buy a torch so I can heat it up today. Any advices?
03 D2 140k
Thanks
Probably going to buy a torch so I can heat it up today. Any advices?
03 D2 140k
Thanks
#2
You can rent a pitman arm puller from most auto parts stores. Basically it's just a regular puller with non adjustable jaws, with the right shape to fit most arms. Usually its full price, and full refund when done, around $50-$80.
They work well though.
And, if you heat the arm, you risk heating up the inside of the hydraulic steering box.
There are o-rings and nylon rings in there that could get too hot, and you could cause a permanent leak.
The box isn't overly complicated either, but no fun and not cheap to rebuild.
Good luck
They work well though.
And, if you heat the arm, you risk heating up the inside of the hydraulic steering box.
There are o-rings and nylon rings in there that could get too hot, and you could cause a permanent leak.
The box isn't overly complicated either, but no fun and not cheap to rebuild.
Good luck
#4
I got the top joint of the steering knuckle loose, can feel it clicking. The bottom I've tried hitting it with two hammers (one sledge), hit the pickle in there for a while too. Got a 4" jaw puller, can't get it to line up properly so it just twists off when I tighten.
Probably going to buy a torch so I can heat it up today. Any advices?
03 D2 140k
Thanks
Probably going to buy a torch so I can heat it up today. Any advices?
03 D2 140k
Thanks
#6
I walk over couple swings...all done. You have to put you soul into the swing, become one with it, don't be afraid, its not just a swing its owning it.
#7
I 100% agree about hitting it just right to get the ball joint free. Get mad and hit it hard from the driver side, swinging toward the passenger side.
#9
Good deal. For future reference, you have to really smack that cast iron to pop those tapers lose. Like swing hard enough that you think you are going to knock the truck off the jack stands, and then maybe a little harder than that. If they don't pop loose, you either forgot to remove a nut, or you didn't hit hard enough.
Or, if you have an air hammer, a flat bit in the same area will usually do the job.
Glad you got its though, they can be a pain In the ***.
Or, if you have an air hammer, a flat bit in the same area will usually do the job.
Glad you got its though, they can be a pain In the ***.
#10
Good deal. For future reference, you have to really smack that cast iron to pop those tapers lose. Like swing hard enough that you think you are going to knock the truck off the jack stands, and then maybe a little harder than that. If they don't pop loose, you either forgot to remove a nut, or you didn't hit hard enough.
Or, if you have an air hammer, a flat bit in the same area will usually do the job.
Glad you got its though, they can be a pain In the ***.
Or, if you have an air hammer, a flat bit in the same area will usually do the job.
Glad you got its though, they can be a pain In the ***.