How to Free a Ball Joint on a Car

Replacing the upper and lower ball joints in your truck can be an intimidating task, but will save you time and money in the long run if you handle the job yourself. With the right tools, some good instructions and a little know-how, you can complete this job in a day or weekend.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Secure the truck properly using a floor jack and set of jack stands. Do not place the jack stands under the control arm, as you will be working in this area. Remove the wheels on the front end of the vehicle by breaking the lug nuts free and unscrewing all of them, then lifting the wheel off the hub. Place all these items in a safe place where they will not be lost or damaged, as you will need them during re-installation.

2. Understand the concept of the pickle fork. This is a fork that has two prongs running out from a handle that are equal lengths. They start out fat and get thinner towards the ends. This is strategically designed to aid in the removal process of the ball joint.

3. Notice the mechanical weld between the spindle and the ball joint stud. Place the pickle fork over the weld and hammer the end of it, forcing it through the weld. This will take a lot of hammering to finally break it free. Once the weld is broken, you can step on the spindle.

4. Pry the ball joint free of the spindle. Be careful to not pry on the constant velocity joint or the gust shield from the brakes, as these can be damaged easily.

5. Repeat the process for the other side of the front end of your truck.