Ball joints are an important component of your car’s steering and suspension system, but sometimes, they get worn down. That’s when you need to replace them with new ball joints. However, to remove an old ball joint and replace it with a new one, you’ll need a specialized tool called a ball joint separator.
This tool applies controlled pressure to break the taper fit between the joint and the steering knuckle. By doing so, it reduces the risk of bending parts or hitting metal surfaces with a hammer.
Learning how to use this tool could save you so much time, effort, and money. Keep reading this article, and you’ll learn everything you need to know:
How to Use Ball Joint Separator: Step-by-Step
A ball joint separator tool might look too complex to figure out and too hard to use, but that’s not the actual case. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a ball joint separator effectively and with ease:
Step #1: Preparation and Safety
First, you need to gather the necessary tools and ensure your safety. When it comes to the necessary tools, you’ll need a ball-joint separator (fork or scissor/press type), breaker bar or ratchet with appropriate sockets, penetrating oil, pry bar, torque wrench, and hammer (only for light taps if absolutely needed).
To ensure your safety while using the ball joint separator, you’ll need wheel chocks, good jack stands (not just a jack), safety glasses, and gloves.
You should never work under an unsupported car, no matter what kind of repair, replacement, or installation you’re performing.
Step #2: Parking the Vehicle
Next, you should park, chock, lift, and secure your car. Always park on a flat surface. Then, chock the rear wheels, lift the front with a jack, and place the car on rated jack stands. Double-check if the car is stable before you get under it. This ensures that your car won’t move and endanger you while you do your work.
Step #3: Removing the Wheel
Once you get under the car, it is time to remove the wheel and locate the ball joint. Take off the wheel to access the control arm, steering knuckle, and ball joint. Identify the joint you’re removing. Since there are lower and upper ball joints on each wheel, make sure not to mix them up.
Step #4: Loosening the Nuts
Look for a nut that retains the ball-joint. Loosen the nut on the tapered stud, but leave it threaded several turns. This will protect the threads and keep the stud from popping out suddenly when the taper releases.
Remove or move brake caliper brackets, sway bar links, or tie rod ends if they block the separator’s placement. Support any components you unbolt so they don’t hang on hoses.
Step #5: Applying Penetrating Oil and Setting the Separator
Apply penetrating oil around the taper and let it soak for a few minutes if the joint looks rusted. Then, position the fork-style separator between the ball joint stud and the knuckle. If you’re using the scissor/press separator type, place it around the stud/knuckle. Make sure the separator is square and fully seated.
Step #6: Removing the Joint
Turn the separator’s forcing screw (or press rod) slowly with a wrench. Apply steady and even pressure. Don’t hammer the tool.
The taper will eventually break loose with a distinct pop. If you’re using a press-style kit, follow the kit orientation to ensure the knuckle is supported by the receiving cup.
Step #7: Installing the New Joint
As the taper breaks, the stud will drop slightly into the nut you left threaded. Remove the separator, then unscrew the nut and pull the joint free. Inspect the boot, threads, and mating surfaces. Wire-brush rust/debris from the control arm or knuckle seating surface.
Grease the new joint and use the correct size installer adapter when pressing a new joint in. Press the new ball joint in slowly until fully seated. Torque the retaining nut to the car manufacturer’s spec.
Final Steps
Now it’s time to reinstall the wheel and ensure your car is drivable again. Basically, everything you did in the first 2-3 steps, you now need to do in reverse. After reinstalling the wheel, check if the wheel is properly torqued. Then, you’ll need to lower your car from the jack stands.
After your car is back on the ground, remove the jack stands and chock. Take your car for a short drive to see if everything is working properly. Keep listening for any weird noises, such as clicking or clunking sounds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Ball Joint Separator
Even though ball joint separators are pretty easy to use, there are still some mistakes that can occur. Here are the most common ones:
- Don’t forget to secure your car while working under it. Even the tiniest tilt or shift could endanger you.
- Do not hammer the separator while it’s under sustained load. This can damage the tool and nearby parts. Instead, use controlled turning of the screw.
- Keep the retaining nut threaded on the stud. This will prevent the stud from falling free.
- Use the correct adapter sizes when pressing in a new ball joint to avoid damaging the boot or bearing surface.
Affordable Ball Joint Separators From Orionmotor Tech
1. 21pcs Ball Joint Removal Tool Kit for Most 2WD and 4WD Vehicles
This 21-piece ball joint press set lets you remove press-fit parts on most 2WD and 4WD vehicles without taking off the control arm. It’s compatible with a wide range of GM, Chevy, Ford, and Dodge models:
2. 5pc Ball Joint Separator/Splitter Removal Kit
This all-in-one front-end service kit includes five heavy-duty, adjustable tools that remove stubborn ball joints, tie rod ends, and pitman arms. It’s built from hardened alloy and stored in a durable ABS case:
Conclusion
In this article, you have learned how to use a ball joint separator. Try to follow our guide and tips as closely as possible. Don’t stress if it’s hard at first. Practice makes perfect. After you use it a couple of times, you’ll become quite skilled at it. Always prioritise your safety and don’t rush.
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