Can't seperate spindle from Upper BallJoint

[96pearlrunner]

Like the title says, I've tried everything. I've banged it from every angle and every position with the mighty thor hammer. I tried prying it apart with a large pry bar and a 2 jaw puller. I tried the puller and hammer combo and still didnt work. The ***** is on there good. Any advice please?

 

[Insmonia9335]

You need a hydraulic press, man.

 

[96pearlrunner]

i was trying to avoid taking it to the machine shop to get it pressed out. i was hoping there was a different method but it seems like i'm kinda out of choices

 

[A.Wilson013]

Like the title says, I've tried everything. I've banged it from every angle and every position with the mighty thor hammer. I tried prying it apart with a large pry bar and a 2 jaw puller. I tried the puller and hammer combo and still didnt work. The ***** is on there good. Any advice please?

Have you smacked it at the location circled in my picture while having a friend (or your other hand, if you're tricky) apply a LOT of upward pressure on the UCA with a pry bar? I've never had one pop out easily, but I have never been defeated using this method.

Also- if you're replacing the UBJ you can try applying downward pressure on the UCA with a pry bar and smacking UP on the ball joint bolt. I've never had that work, but have seen others do it.

 

[Konkordmusk]

You're sure you've taken the c-clip out?

 

[96pearlrunner]

yes I've tried there and the little nub right below it too. I tried hitting upwards on the upper control arm also with pressure.

 

[96pearlrunner]

C clips? There's no c clips. I'm not doing a ball joint. i'm just seperating the spindle from the upper control arm but cant get the ball joint to move.

 

[A.Wilson013]

:noidea: Bigger hammer?

Stronger forearms? :rofl:

 

[IsaiahC]

If you're replacing them then flip the castle nut upside and smack it with a heavy hammer. I tried hitting the spindle to no avail but doing this got it free in 1-2 hits.

 

[Doc2012]

As said, IF you're replacing the ball joints, grab a pickle fork.

That will separate it.

Put the castle nut on the threads a little bit so the UCA doesn't just pop right off.

 

[sawguy]

Air hammer with pickle fork worked for me.

 

[Namdam]

I've used a Harbor Freight 3 jaw puller twice before to separate the ubj/spindle from the uca. The bottom side of the uca doesn't lend itself very well to allow the puller to grab onto but another pair of hands helps to keep it square and aligned while you start to tighten down on it. Sorry no picture and I don't remember offhand which size puller I used.

 

[Jhelms]

There actually is a snap-ring clip...

 

[Namdam]

There actually is a snap-ring clip...

Yes, but isn't that only a concern when you are removing the ubj from the spindle? OP is just trying the get uca off of ubj.

 

[Jhelms]

Yes, but isn't that only a concern when you are removing the ubj from the spindle? OP is just trying the get uca off of ubj.

Ah, I must have not understood correctly.

I removed mine with a 3 jaw puller and a light tap with a small 3lb sledge on the side of the uca. Really cranked on the 3 jaw, then just a tap and pop. Came right out. Guess it depends on the level of rust you have too.

Photos of how at post 38 of this thread
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/193922-my-4gunner-restore-refurb-re-work-3.html

 

[MStudt]

C clips? There's no c clips. I'm not doing a ball joint. i'm just seperating the spindle from the upper control arm but cant get the ball joint to move.

You're trying to separate the ball joint from the UCA not the spindle. When you say trying to separate the "spindle" from the UCA is where the confusion comes into play. The ball joint is pressed into the spindle. That's why people are telling you about the c-clips.

Get a pickle fork, and go to town. You'll most likely need to replace the boot afterwards though. Might not even be a bad idea to replace the UBJ while your're at it.

 

[mountain mike]

FWIW. I tired all these methods listed and after hours of no luck I pulled the entire spindle off and took it to a machine shop. DON'T take it to the dealer. Mother F'ers wanted $150.

 

[mountain mike]

^^Woops! I misunderstood and thought you couldn't get it out of the spindle.

 

[A.Wilson013]

When I tried a 3 jaw puller it exploded with a wholleeeee lotta energy behind it. Somehow none of it hit me, but it put a hole in the sheetrock of my garage.

 

[Scramble]

When I tried a 3 jaw puller it exploded with a wholleeeee lotta energy behind it. Somehow none of it hit me, but it put a hole in the sheetrock of my garage.

"make note to wear a welders mask when doing this"