I have attached a picture of my setup. I can't seem to figure out how everybody is doing this step. What am I doing wrong here? I got the Front End Service Kit from Advanced Auto

Advance Auto Parts - Down for Maintenance

Thanks for the help! Happy 4th!

-Sax

Attached Images

 

Use a open end wrench

Or a ratcheting wrench. That's what I used.

Tried the long one from Tekton, and I almost stripped the bearings.

Might need to load up the puller (put lots of tension on it) and give the uca a hit with a hammer. Had to do that on my miata rear hub.

Worst Case, you can pull the upper control arm and take it out of the vehicle.

I changed them with this tool from Harbor Freight
Ball joint Service Kit

We didn't have to remove the upper control arm to change them with this tool on a 3rd gen. :-)

Sax, first of all, let me praise you for doing your own wrenching.

I find a bit shocking you couldn't figure this out, but maybe you're so new to turning wrenches you've never seen an open end wrench, box end wrench, or better yet a flex head ratcheting box end wrench. If you don't own any of these tools, it's time to invest so you make your wrenching life easier.

By the way, what are you trying to accomplish? Maybe one of my videos can help you out.

P.S. Be careful of that style puller, because when the balljoint pops free of the knuckle, it can go flying. I now put a velcro strap around the arms to keep them from flying out and making the puller a projectile.

Hi Tim!!!

I have used your videos. Not sure how you got the socket on it. There was no prep step involved. I figured my brain was fried in the 95 F heat, and I was missing something obvious.

I know all the options you are talking about, but again, I used a long 6-sided ratcheting wrench from Tekton, and the job needed more torque than this could provide. Don't have a long regular wrench, and the nearest store is 45 min away.

Anyway, used the bottle jack from the 4R to push the UCA down enough to get the socket on. I think I had seen you do that in one of the videos, where you braced the other end against the fender.

Thank you so so much for all your videos and explaining every tiny detail! That has made a huge difference.

-Sax

Is the suspension fully drooped? A pry bar in pushing down on the suspension might get you the space you need with the tools you currently have.

-Charlie

I just hope those claws don't let loose. As I hate to see damage from trying to change an upper ball joint. Tim has valid point if those claws slip when the ball joint comes loose.. Things may go flying.

Box end wrench on jack screw before you clamp jaws, open end wrench.
If you're changing UBJ reason for disassembly a pickle fork and BFH makes safe easy work of job.

I knows it's a bit after the fact, but I used a 3-jaw puller borrowed from the parts store and it gave plenty of purchase and room to work.