1969 C20 lower ball joint stuck
I'm replacing all the front end hardware as part of my restoration project.
Things have be going well until I went to knock loose the lower ball joints. Even with a pickle fork I can't get them to pop. At this time I'm considering removing steering knuckle and brake backer plate to gain more access. But before I wanted some advice. So please help. |
Re: 1969 C20 lower ball joint stuck
Loosen the castle nut, leaving it still attached with enough threads so it doesn't come flying off. Use a hand held sledge hammer and smack the spindle HARD. I have never failed to remove one in this manner, it will pop loose. You want the castle nut to keep the spring from flying out when the ball joint pops loose.
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Re: 1969 C20 lower ball joint stuck
Or you could get a ball joint press. Most auto parts stores have or will rent them out
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I agree that whacking it with a sledge should knock it loose, but I've found a gentler way that works well for me. I make a "spreader" by using the lower shock mount bolt, a 3/4" socket and an oversized socket like a 1 1/16". The oversized one just goes over the top ball joint nut and rests against the spindle. The 3/4" socket sits upside down on top of the loosened bottom ball joint nut. (You might have to use another 3/4" nut as a spacer inside of the lower socket depending on how long the top socket is) Once you have it in position, a few turns with a big 3/4" open end wrench will pop it loose. This is how I ended up getting the original ball joints loose on my '67. You can then reverse it to pop the upper one loose if you need to.
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Re: 1969 C20 lower ball joint stuck
WOW! A simple press! I will give it a try. Thank you
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Re: 1969 C20 lower ball joint stuck
@ NC67Chev: Very clever, I'll have to remember that one.
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Re: 1969 C20 lower ball joint stuck
Thanks for that tip NC67chev.......a simple idea that works well...I like it !
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Re: 1969 C20 lower ball joint stuck
Update.
NC67chev..... You rock!!!!! I tried your method using a grade 8 fine thread bolt and to my surprise it worked. There was no hammering, prying or cheater bar needed. A simple 3/4" wrench is all it took!!! However I did oil the threads on the bolt. My only regret was not knowing this trick before I mushroomed my pickle fork. |
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It's known as good old American Ingenuity....:).. Glad you got it off. LockDoc |
Re: 1969 C20 lower ball joint stuck
The sad part was I thought of using a simple press but could figure out a simple implementation.
It took me less than 10 minutes to both sides. Again thanks for sharing! |
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Re: 1969 C20 lower ball joint stuck
Have you tried using heat? I couldn't get mine to budge on my 67 until I got it really hot. Still took 5 hits with a big sledge but it finally came loose.
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Nice work! A bigger hammer never fails
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Re: 1969 C20 lower ball joint stuck
Pickle fork in a air chisel works pretty good also "as seen on TV".
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Re: 1969 C20 lower ball joint stuck
brilliant!. I cannot count the number of times this would have worked for me.
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Re: 1969 C20 lower ball joint stuck
Although this is an older post, NC67CHEV's wisdom lives on. . . .
After applying SIGNIFICANT force on my stuck ball joint with a BFH and pickle fork and not being able to break it loose, I found this thread. So I dug out a 3" grade 8 bolt and the right size sockets, put the joint under pressure, hit it once and it popped right away. EXCELLENT advice. Thank you! |
Re: 1969 C20 lower ball joint stuck
This tip has saved me more than once.
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Use a torch to heat the stud of the ball joint, then hit it with a hose. The thermal shock from hot to cold will loosen it. |
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