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How Can I Remove a Stuck Ball Joint?
I’m replacing the ball joints on my car and I’m having a lot of trouble removing the old ball joint on one side. It seems like it’s totally stuck after hours of trying to get it free. How can I remove a stubborn ball joint?
Katherine Duffy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been trying to remove your ball joint without any luck! You can use a hammer, a tuning fork, or a ball joint separator to remove a stuck ball joint at home.
You’ll want to remove the ball joint differently depending on whether you want to reuse your ball joint or not. Here are three methods you can use to remove your stubborn ball joint:
- Use a hammer: It’s not recommended for reusing ball joints, but hammering is an easy way to remove them without specific equipment. Hammer the steering knuckle or threaded studs at the ball joint. The hammer’s blow should loosen things up and liberate your ball joint.
- Use a tuning fork: Get a tuning fork that fits your ball joint shaft. Place the tuning fork around the shaft and smash the pommel end a few times between the ball joint and steering knuckle to break it loose. Using a tuning fork might harm the rubber boot on the ball joint, causing premature wear, so be careful.
- Use a ball joint separator: Using a ball joint separator is the best solution if you wish to reuse your ball joint. Tighten the bolt facing you to carefully detach the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
Changing weathered ball joints is a great way to keep yourself protected on the roads, but the best way to make sure you’re covered is by signing up for great
car insurance
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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