How to remove spindle from lower ball joint

Joe Godbee 2 · Dec 10, 2011

How do I separate the spindle from the lower ball joint.

I've removed everything from the spindle and the cotter pin and castel nut from lower control arm. The spindle is only being held to the vehicle at by the lower ball joint. I've shoved a pickle fork between them ad banged pretty hard with no results. Help!

Steve Krusich · Dec 10, 2011

Look for a lock ring that needs to be removed

swshawaii · Dec 10, 2011

Joe Godbee 2 · Dec 12, 2011

Gave up after 3 hours. Just dropped it off with the parts for the shop to do.

Thanks anyway

Dreman · Dec 13, 2011

You may have used the wrong pickle fork. I have two, one for tie rods, and one for ball joints. I banged away on mine for awhile and didn't get anywhere just like you did. Then I stopped, looked at my pickle fork, and went to check it against the other one in my tool box. I found out I was truying to use the smaller tie rod pickle fork, which won't fit around the pin. A few whacks on the bigger fork did the trick.

Richard L · Dec 13, 2011

I've always used the pickle fork and a big hammer it that always worked. I have seen a few guys on TV just wack the side of the spindle at the balljoint location and violo! The spindle pops right off the ball joint? I don't know if it works as easy as they make it look, but it's worth a try:grin:

...Rich

Joe Godbee 2 · Dec 14, 2011

Local shop here did both lowers for $200. That was way worth it for the time I tried on them. It really helps to have it up on a lift, so you have all the room you need to swing a hammer and not the 6-8 inches I had...