Any tricks separating upper A-arm?

[Hepar]

I tore my upper ball joint and I need to replace it, but I can't for the life of me separate the upper arm. The stealership wants to charge me $400 to replace a $10 part. Ridiculous. I've replaced them on my Tacoma. Insanely easy if you can just get it arm off. Any tricks?

 

[hyperduc]

I assume you mean the A arm from the steering knuckle?

If so you need to remove the castle nut and make a few sharp raps with a hammer on the side of the A arm itself. If that doesnt fall out you will need to thread the nut on until its almost flush with the top of the bolt, a few whacks down on top of the nut should do it.

if its still stuck you will need a ball joint press to push it out.

 

[Hepar]

I assume you mean the A arm from the steering knuckle?

If so you need to remove the castle nut and make a few sharp raps with a hammer on the side of the A arm itself. If that doesnt fall out you will need to thread the nut on until its almost flush with the top of the bolt, a few whacks down on top of the nut should do it.

if its still stuck you will need a ball joint press to push it out.

Thanks. I tried both of those methods and nothing. Sounds like I'm going to have to find someone with a ball joint press.

 

[hyperduc]

If your ball joint is already jacked you could also try some heat directly on the bolt itself followed by tapping the nut down.

 

[Duhockey]

Thanks. I tried both of those methods and nothing. Sounds like I'm going to have to find someone with a ball joint press.

ball joint press is your best option... sounds like u have tried the other options.