[BBKG79]

I was able to seperate the ball joint from the control arm easily with a ball joint remover. BUT, I'm having a hard time removing the ball joint itself from the hub knuckle. I've tried banging a chisel into the slit in almost every direction to open up the knuckle in an attempt to free up the ball joint. No luck at all, while going through this I mangled the ball joint beyond manglement. I really don't care, I'm replacing them with WL's, I just want to get them out.

PB Blaster doesn't seem to be blastin' either, just making more mess to clean up.

[BBKG79]

It's looking like I'm going to have to remove the axle or axle boot off of the hub in order to get a straight shot with a chisel or screwdriver in the split to knock the ball joint out.

This is all new to me so I have no idea how to remove that, it's not clear in the manual.

Someone I know suggested using a torch to heat up the knuckle, but changed their mind in fear of hitting the axle boot.

I came across TIC's tips for this on Nasioc, but I have no idea what a bearing puller is or how to use it. When I did a google there were several different ones. Not sure which one to choose, plus I'll need a BIG FREAKING HAMMER Hopefully Clint will chime in...

[Mycues1982]

I think u need to remove the balljoint from the hub first before removing it from the control arm with alittle prying action

[Good2Go]

Try this...

Loosely screw the ball joint back onto the control arm and pound on the control arm with a rummer mallet to get the joint it out. If you already stripped the threads, use vice grips to hold it.

[BBKG79]

Originally Posted by Mycues1982

I think u need to remove the balljoint from the hub first before removing it from the control arm with alittle prying action

Originally Posted by Good2Go

Try this...

Loosely screw the ball joint back onto the control arm and pound on the control arm with a rummer mallet to get the joint it out. If you already stripped the threads, use vice grips to hold it.

Tried that, did not work. Why? Because the ball joint was rusted in. There was NO WAY I WAS GOING TO GET IT OUT.

End result - I had to remove the caliper, take the rotor and hub off completely. Put it in a vice and use a long steel chisel like screwdriver to bang it out. I'll post pics later today, just finished this about an hour ago.

This is an 05 with 35k on the clock, I suggest to anyone else doing this mod to have it done professionally. Unless you have plenty of resources and tools. The aggravtion isn't worth it.

I can't understand how it could be rusted in there like that. I mean you see this kind of stuff on older cars like 1920 - early 90's.

Can someone explain how this happens on newer cars? Is it cheaper/lower grade metals that are not coated to prevent rust?

P.S. I have an appt thursday for an alignment, eff that I'm letting them do the other side