changing front hubs

[michael_antoi]

hey guys, i've disconnected everything that I need to do for changing the front hub except I cant seem to get the steering arm to pop off.


Is there any special tool or technique to get this off?

[Limbo]

yes very special tool

its called a hammer, with a block of wood or a rubber mallet.
My fav. tool when working with cars, great for stress relief.

(I'm serious)

Just make sure you don't tap the side the thread is on cos you will damage the thread. and that's more trouble

[bennjamin]

make sure you have the cotter/split pin out , and the small crown nut is loose (not off) too. Its not that hard really - either a crowbar / hammer combo or there is a special "fork" you can get from super cheap auto etc for shifting out these situations

[revNhevN]

just get the tool.

There are two types. One uses two pieces for forged iron linked Together. one side has a fork and the other has a bolt. when u tighten the bolt the ball joint will pop out, this is what is shown in the workshop manual. the second type of tool is a forked bar. you hammer it in and pry the ball joint out.

i forgot what its called but is $35 from repco.

bashing it with a hammer wont work.

[Slow96GSR]

...bashing it with a hammer wont work.

I disagree. The hammer worked well with mine, 2 years ago, this year it just popped out. Just do as they said above and use a rubber mallet or a block of wood so you don't mess up the threads. It is what 99% of the pros here do. Buying the tool for a one time job is pointless unless you are going to do this a lot, like a few times a month.

[ECU-MAN]

as above

hammer has done the trick for a very long long long time

only takes 3 or so good hits.. even poped em with one hit

[BlitZ]

I use a mini sledge man.. 2 pops.... work each and every time

[Paul1985]

I agree and disagree.
I used the hammer trick on one of my ball joints and it came out reasonably easy. On the other side though... damn!!! i was hitting it with the soft hammer for i reckon 1hr and many swear words later it still hadn't budged. I ended up getting so angry. I went and bought the tool for $25 on special from repco and popped it in 1min LOL!!
try the hammer trick.. BUT, it does not always work... i suppose if your persistant you could pop it, maybe i didnt get the knack of it?? i dont know.. i definately couldnt pop one of mine with the hammer and that tool was one of the best investments i made... ive used it numerous times now..

Hammer can work, tool is better. Its your choice mate!

[Paul1985]

btw, the tool is usually called a "ball-joint breaker" or a "ball-joint splitter"
Get the fork type if you decide to purchase one :)

[ECU-MAN]

thats your problem, you use a soft hammer.

normal hammer is yet to let me down :)

also its not about how hard you hit it, its where you hit it.

[Paul1985]

thats your problem, you use a soft hammer.

normal hammer is yet to let me down :)

also its not about how hard you hit it, its where you hit it.
:thumbsup: like i said, i couldnt get the knack of it.. i should have used a normal hammer, i was too scared to damage something lol. I'll keep that in mind John. I seen guys at work hit that shit real hard with a normal hammer and pop them. I'll share some rep points, it just keeps telling me to share them with other people first! lol

I have the tool now anyways :)

You gotta hit that joint hard! Dont go soft on it.

[Jomsy]

i dont think there is a real mechanic that doesn't use a hammer, let alone own a ball joint splitter
just make sure you hit the right spot, which is the arm it bolts into, not the ball joint, thread or castle nut

[Paul1985]

i dont think there is a real mechanic that doesn't use a hammer, let alone own a ball joint splitter
just make sure you hit the right spot, which is the arm it bolts into, not the ball joint, thread or castle nut
We use them at work and i have one at home.
I am only a first year mechanic though so maybe you wouldn't class me as a REAL mechanic :D