# yup...

Posted by Justin Mc (89se 90se (89GXE)) on September 18, 2002 at 18:54:49:

In Reply to: Do I need special tools to change ball joints? Also - how do I get ahold of Kaleb?? :) posted by Jacob on September 18, 2002 at 17:41:39:

need a ball joint seperator.. aka a "pickle fork".. you'll need that to wedge between the ball joint and LCA (lower control arm)... because the ball joints are "press fit".. it takes some pressure to get one out thats been in there awhile... i.e. the pickle fork and a 5lb sledge :).. or you can get a "proper" ball joint seperator which run about $50-200 depending on which co. you go with.. this "presses" the joint out with a large screw/nut... keep in mind with a pickle fork you will almost always fubar the dust/grease boot on the joint.. so forget reusing it.. I only use the pickle fork to get one out quickly that I'm replacing.. never when I need to pull the joint for any sort of servicing (i.e. new hub bearings)...

good luck :) btw.. if your not familiar with this process I reccommend you take it to a skilled professional or have someone with experience there to help you.. the ball joint plays a vital role in the suspension and if it is improperly installed/etc it can fail causing among other things a serious accident... also keep in mind you'll probably want to check the alignment after that sort of suspension service.. good luck :)

btw.. courtesyparts.com has your answers...

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: need a ball joint seperator.. aka a "pickle fork".. you'll need that to wedge between the ball joint and LCA (lower control arm)... because the ball joints are "press fit".. it takes some pressure to get one out thats been in there awhile... i.e. the pickle fork and a 5lb sledge :).. or you can get a "proper" ball joint seperator which run about $50-200 depending on which co. you go with.. this "presses" the joint out with a large screw/nut... keep in mind with a pickle fork you will almost always fubar the dust/grease boot on the joint.. so forget reusing it.. I only use the pickle fork to get one out quickly that I'm replacing.. never when I need to pull the joint for any sort of servicing (i.e. new hub bearings)... : good luck :) btw.. if your not familiar with this process I reccommend you take it to a skilled professional or have someone with experience there to help you.. the ball joint plays a vital role in the suspension and if it is improperly installed/etc it can fail causing among other things a serious accident... also keep in mind you'll probably want to check the alignment after that sort of suspension service.. good luck :) : btw.. courtesyparts.com has your answers...