porsches996

Hello folks...,

I would like to know what kind of tool you use to undo the control arm balljoint and all the other ball joint without breaking the rubber dust seal on the top?

I used to use long fork to separate the ball joint but almost each time i break the dust seal....

Thanks

Robert
996 2000

speed rII

Something like this...
Pic is for reference, choose your own size and brand

ivangene

even before opening this I was going to say - HAMMER

because a hammer is always the right tool at some point
but that thing up there is the right tool

San Rensho

Harbor Freight has the tool fo rabout $20. Haven't used it so I can't vouch for the quality.

Dharn55

I bought my ball joint separator at Harbor Freight and it works great. But with this tool, and any ball joint separator you have to be careful with the rubber seals or you can tear one.

perryinva

Yes, you still have to keep the rubber seal from getting pinched by the fork part, but they work great. Just have to find the right size. I bought one from NAPA for the TRE ball joint for $17, works perfect. I think a larger/longer forked one is needed for the control arm BJ. Never use a hammer and pickle fork on the 996 suspension, as the alloy is too soft.

fpb111

I also use my air impact hammer with a punch bit on the top of the "bolt". Never comes close to the boot.
http://www.harborfreight.com/air-imp...kit-92037.html

jordanturbo

As has been mentioned before, this is my tool of choice

48oz Blue-Point Ball Peen hammer



It takes a lot of practice, but once you get the feel for it 1 or 2 swings is all that is needed to pop a ball joint.

philooo

sometime they drop right off, sometime they are stuck in there pretty good and then hammering is only crushing the metal.

Try it with hammer and piece of wood to protect the metal

If it doesn't go out right away go buy the tool

jordanturbo

Personally I would avoid using a block of wood, you lose a lot of the force and shock from the impact since it will be absorbed by the wood. If you know how to use a hammer you shouldn't need that many good blows to knock it free. I did a ball joint on a 99 ram 2500 a week ago and it took 3 good blows with my 48oz, you just need to know how to use a hammer. Use a full swing, hit it dead on, flat and in the middle of the head.

Another trick I found was that if you give the spindle a couple good knocks where the ball joint mounts in will free it up quite a bit and you dont really have to ever worry about damaging your spindle no matter how hard you hit it.

sjfehr

The right tool just makes everything easier.

And you can get ball-joint removal tools free from most auto parts stores. I hit up the advance auto parts around the corner from me all the time for their loaner tools- you'll pay a deposit and get it back when you return the tool. Beats spending a crapton of money on a tool you'll use once.