Ball joint separator
#1
Ball joint separator
Hi all,
Currently I can notice some clunking form my right front wheel when driving over bumps. I have already replaced my sway bar drop links but noise persists. I am thinking about the tie rod ends and also upper control arms to be replaced. May I know if there is any special ball joint separator is needed if I need to separate the ball joints on our car? Or normal scissor type ball joint separator will do? Which size will be a good fit?
Thanks in advance for your advices!
Currently I can notice some clunking form my right front wheel when driving over bumps. I have already replaced my sway bar drop links but noise persists. I am thinking about the tie rod ends and also upper control arms to be replaced. May I know if there is any special ball joint separator is needed if I need to separate the ball joints on our car? Or normal scissor type ball joint separator will do? Which size will be a good fit?
Thanks in advance for your advices!
#3
Join Date: Feb 2014
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#6
Join Date: Feb 2014
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Hi Alan,
The upper ball joints are part of the upper control arms, and as far as I know the ball joints are not available separately so you must replace the entire control arm. Lemfoerder is the OEM, but aftermarket parts are available at lower cost and the Lincoln LS and Ford Thunderbird used the same upper control arms.
The lower ball joints are pressed into the vertical link/steering knuckle and I don't know if a standard ball joint separator could be used unless it was the C-clamp type and larger than usual. A hydraulic press would make the job easier, though still awkward.
From your description, I would suspect your knocking sounds are coming from either the air spring/shock absorber lower bushings, which are pressed into the lower control arm and are replaceable, or the upper control arms, or both. I would suggest doing those first and only addressing the lower ball joints if replacing the lower shock bushings and upper control arms doesn't resolve the noise.
Cheers,
Don
The upper ball joints are part of the upper control arms, and as far as I know the ball joints are not available separately so you must replace the entire control arm. Lemfoerder is the OEM, but aftermarket parts are available at lower cost and the Lincoln LS and Ford Thunderbird used the same upper control arms.
The lower ball joints are pressed into the vertical link/steering knuckle and I don't know if a standard ball joint separator could be used unless it was the C-clamp type and larger than usual. A hydraulic press would make the job easier, though still awkward.
From your description, I would suspect your knocking sounds are coming from either the air spring/shock absorber lower bushings, which are pressed into the lower control arm and are replaceable, or the upper control arms, or both. I would suggest doing those first and only addressing the lower ball joints if replacing the lower shock bushings and upper control arms doesn't resolve the noise.
Cheers,
Don
Last edited by Don B; 04-23-2018 at 04:27 PM.
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Nalahung (04-23-2018)
#7
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#8
I replace the upper and lower ball joints on my 2004 last fall. You can use a ball joint press on the lower one, but it needs to be one the big ball joint service kits made for trucks. I borrowed this set from the local Advance Auto Parts: https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...8617/9150043-P
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Don B (04-23-2018)
#9
Today I have successfully fixed the clunking noise. You know what? It is the right tie rod end lock nut bcame loose! I have already purchased all bushes and arms for the front and luckily I jacked up my car tonight to check the links and found the culprit.
Saved a lot of time and money as I don't need to go to visit my mechanic.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions!
P.S. I have got a new ball joint separator with an opening of 30mm.
Saved a lot of time and money as I don't need to go to visit my mechanic.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions!
P.S. I have got a new ball joint separator with an opening of 30mm.
The following users liked this post:
Don B (05-02-2018)
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