What tool do you use to get a spindle off a lower ball joint?

volksnick · « **on:** August 23, 2010, 12:20:34 PM »

I started the process of building a raised beam for the baja and have got everything ready to go back together except I can't get the spindle off the lower trailing arm. I am using a 68 beam ( which used different size bearings) and I want to put everything spindles out from the old beam on the new beam. dis there a method or tool you recommend for separating these two? While I'm at it, where do yall get new ball joints pressed in?

nick

Ret.Bugtech · « **Reply #1 on:** August 23, 2010, 01:01:48 PM »

I'll more than likely catch some flack about this. One BIG hammer , wack the spindle right on the side where the ball joint sticks through the arm. To bad you didn't do this before you took the trailing arm off the beam. Whole lots easier .

travisyoung · « **Reply #2 on:** August 23, 2010, 01:10:35 PM »

None here, still using a big hammer, also have a tie rod fork that attaches to my air hammer, does the job but destroys the boots

Interstellar Overdrive · « **Reply #3 on:** August 23, 2010, 03:40:54 PM »

Yep, it's true - hammer is a must have for this.

Zen · « **Reply #4 on:** August 23, 2010, 06:40:30 PM »

There's a tool you can get at your FLAPS (Friendly Local Auto Parts Store) for a few bucks that slides over the joint and uses a bolt to press it apart. They work great. They come in various sizes . . . If you have all but one, that's the size you will need . . . then just whack it with a hammer. The shock from a strong, well placed hammer blow will distort the tapered hole and spit the joint out before springing back to it's original size and shape (hopefully).

travisyoung · « **Reply #5 on:** August 23, 2010, 08:26:38 PM »

or if you have an otc brand you can hit it with an impact and if it breaks you can return it to the tool man

certdubtech · « **Reply #6 on:** August 23, 2010, 08:33:51 PM »

Quote from: travisyoung on August 23, 2010, 08:26:38 PM

or if you have an otc brand you can hit it with an impact and if it breaks you can return it to the tool man

Yep.....

I use the big hammer technique most of the time, Nick. I also have a couple of ball joint seperators that work pretty well. As for the actual pressing of the joints, i usually cut the old ones out. They're usually pretty siezed up in there. Then, I actually have one of the old on the car style ball joint presses that were made specifically for air-cooled beetles to press the new ones in.

volksnick · « **Reply #7 on:** August 23, 2010, 10:43:01 PM »

Ok, I managed to get it loose with the BFH. I picked up a 32 oz ball peen hammer and set the joined spindle/trailing arm on the head of my mini sledge. Two hits (the first one was a warm up) and it popped right out. I tried hitting it all day long yesterday but I don't think the asphalt driveway or bench top did a solid enough job holding it still.

I did it all without tearing the boot too much (it has a little slit... oh well) I figure I'll run em til they break since its lifted now and everyone says a lifted beam with break ball joints.

Thanks for the help on yet another interesting "hey how do you unstuck this?" learning experience!

Zen · « **Reply #8 on:** August 24, 2010, 12:25:57 AM »

Quote from: Bignick on August 23, 2010, 10:43:01 PM

I figure I'll run em til they break since its lifted now and everyone says a lifted beam with break ball joints.

Ball joints have a limited amount of travel . . . push 'em past their limit and something has to give. I "think" I've heard someone in the past say that Thing ball joints will work in a Beetle and have a few extra degrees of travel.

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Topic: What tool do you use to get a spindle off a lower ball joint? (Read 2623 times)

volksnick

What tool do you use to get a spindle off a lower ball joint?

Ret.Bugtech

Re: What tool do you use to get a spindle off a lower ball joint?

travisyoung

Re: What tool do you use to get a spindle off a lower ball joint?

Interstellar Overdrive

Re: What tool do you use to get a spindle off a lower ball joint?

Zen

Re: What tool do you use to get a spindle off a lower ball joint?

travisyoung

Re: What tool do you use to get a spindle off a lower ball joint?

certdubtech

Re: What tool do you use to get a spindle off a lower ball joint?

volksnick

Re: What tool do you use to get a spindle off a lower ball joint?

Zen

Re: What tool do you use to get a spindle off a lower ball joint?

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