'01 2x4 lower ball joints

[The Cold War Kid]

My right ball joint started squeaking! Seriously.

Recently I had my sequoia apart for a wheel bearing. I was not able to remove the tie rod from the ball joint because the ball joint is not mounted securely enough so that my "pickle fork" can pop it.

What do I need to get before I do this?

 

[Kanoe]

My right ball joint started squeaking! Seriously.

Recently I had my sequoia apart for a wheel bearing. I was not able to remove the tie rod from the ball joint because the ball joint is not mounted securely enough so that my "pickle fork" can pop it.

What do I need to get before I do this?

The pickle fork is not really the tool for tie rods unless you are planning to replace the tie rod ends. Likely to damage the boot or the joint.

You need to get a puller to separate that tie rod end. I used something like this which I borrowed from the auto store:
Tie Rod and Pitman Arm Puller

If you watch Tims video I'm sure he will give the tool part number that works best.

 

[phattyduck]

A small sledge works too... If you don't mind a possible small dent in your arm/knuckle. (hit the 'hole' sideways not the stud)

-Charlie

 

[HiLife]

Yup, both ways would work.
Use a mini sledge to break the taper on the joint to loosen.
Specific tie rod pilller is what I choose to use. Works great.

 

[mtbtim]

The pickle fork is not really the tool for tie rods unless you are planning to replace the tie rod ends. Likely to damage the boot or the joint.

You need to get a puller to separate that tie rod end. I used something like this which I borrowed from the auto store:
Tie Rod and Pitman Arm Puller

If you watch Tims video I'm sure he will give the tool part number that works best.

Yep, I would never use a pickle fork on anything I was planning on reusing. I also don't subscribe to the BFM (Big F*cking Hammer) technique. The best way in my opinion is to use a puller. Pullers work every time and they don't ruin your components or mash them up.

Here's the kit of pullers I've used dozens of times with complete success:
*OTC 6295 Front End Service Kit https://amzn.to/2LuisQc

 

[The Cold War Kid]

Yep, I would never use a pickle fork on anything I was planning on reusing. I also don't subscribe to the BFM (Big F*cking Hammer) technique. The best way in my opinion is to use a puller. Pullers work every time and they don't ruin your components or mash them up.

Here's the kit of pullers I've used dozens of times with complete success:
*OTC 6295 Front End Service Kit https://amzn.to/2LuisQc

Yeah, you gotta watch how it's made - some of the joints will do ok with the fork, some won't.

Thanks to all that replied. I rummaged around in the bottom of the toolbox and found a puller - hope it will fit and work

 

[plcfcng]

Don't put off doing this bad things can happen there are many examples.:scared:

 

[JohnMc]

And I would suggest replacing with OEM. This isn't something you want to experiment with aftermarket parts on.

And follow those torque specs carefully. Sometimes people have quick failures after replacements, and sometimes it looks like bolts (either the 4 small or the one large nut) were either under or over tightened.

PS: I'd replace those 4 bolts as well. It's just such a catastrophic failure mode, one of the few "gotcha's" on a 3rd gen.