Just hit a truck... Arghhhhh.

[piper6909]

Starter, I just now saw this thread so hopefully my advice is not late. First, from what you've done in the past, and like others have said, you can most definitely do this. However, I can't tell from the pic of the Auto Zone tool, but tie rod joints are generally smaller than ball joints, so I don't know that those jaws would fit around the ball joint. I've had good luck with the Harbor Freight tool.

When using it, if you're using a ratchet (not an impact), my suggestion is to get it good and tight, but don't force it too much. Then hit it with a hammer. At the knuckle, not the tool. If that doesn't do it, tighten it more and repeat with the hammer.

EDIT: The Auto Zone tool will definitely NOT FIT. There is no clearance for the bolt. The HF tool has the bolt to the side, so the forks can slide in place. Here's how you set the tool: The split fork slides between the rubber boot and the knuckle. Be careful not to damage the boot, unless you're replacing the ball joint, in which case it doesn't matter. The single fork sets on top bolt of the ball joint. When you tighten the bolt on the tool, the single fork pushes down on the ball joint's bolt. It goes without saying that you'd have the ball joint's nut removed, or at least loosened before you use the removal tool.

Here's a visual: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcCfWmrVQfM&t=377s

You got this.

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by piper6909

Starter, I just now saw this thread so hopefully my advice is not late. First, from what you've done in the past, and like others have said, you can most definitely do this. However, I can't tell from the pic of the Auto Zone tool, but tie rod joints are generally smaller than ball joints, so I don't know that those jaws would fit around the ball joint. I've had good luck with the Harbor Freight tool.

When using it, if you're using a ratchet (not an impact), my suggestion is to get it good and tight, but don't force it too much. Then hit it with a hammer. At the knuckle, not the tool. If that doesn't do it, tighten it more and repeat with the hammer.

EDIT: The Auto Zone tool will definitely NOT FIT. There is no clearance for the bolt. The HF tool has the bolt to the side, so the forks can slide in place. Here's how you set the tool: The split fork slides between the rubber boot and the knuckle. Be careful not to damage the boot, unless you're replacing the ball joint, in which case it doesn't matter. The single fork sets on top bolt of the ball joint. When you tighten the bolt on the tool, the single fork pushes down on the ball joint's bolt. It goes without saying that you'd have the ball joint's nut removed, or at least loosened before you use the removal tool.

Here's a visual: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcCfWmrVQfM&t=377s

You got this.

Hi Pipe!

All done. My guy in Palmn Springs... has a great shop... and does everything himself. Don't know how he does it. MBs, P Cars, Jags lined up the block. Because I was in a pinch I needed it done quick.

One bummer was that I didn't have a wrench big enough (the round end, what? 20MM+) to remove the bolts that attached the arm to the frame. Guess what's on my secret santa list. I'm confident I'll pick up that set fron the MIL Christmas dinner next week.

I've bookmarked this thread because you guys have some great advice and instruction.

Merry Christmas!