thrust arm ball joint removal

[joemik]

I am in the process of replacing my front suspension components but have hit a problem.

i cant seem to get the thrust arm ball joint out. i have tried using a pickle fork and it just wont budge. i cannot seem to locate the ball joint removal tool as shown in the guide on e38.

i have removed all the other ball joints with ease.

any ideas how to remove this thrust arm ball joint?

[wilk187]

Grad a small sledge (5 pound ish) and hit the flat part of the arm next to the joint...make sure not to only hit the flat spot...It may take a bit and seem like you're getting nowhere, but be patient...a few b$%tch slaps and it will come out..trust me.

[bstar]

maybe a little heat

[njdjh2o]

Since you probably got it off already, but for future thrust arm removers.

What I did, since it was NOT going to be reuse it. hit the thrust arm itself as close to the ball joint as possible, three good wacks and she was out.

[joemik]

nope still not out

i have tried everything except that special tool

[njdjh2o]

Turn the steering wheel where you have a good view of the ball joint. Hold up!! You remove the rear of the thrust arm off the car already right? The only part connected to the car is the thrust arm dangling from the knuckle by the ball joint. If not remove the fat part from the car. You will have to turn the steering wheel in order to remove the long bolt. You see, when you down there.

Turn the body of the thrust where you can get a good wack at it without hitting other parts. A good three wacks she should be out. What type of hammer you using, any should do as long as it is not a rubber mallet.

Dumb question, do you have the nut all the way off?

I tried the fork, there is not room for it to go behind the ball joint.

I which I had picture of my removal.

Your local auto part store should have tool rental.

[freq019]

front end rebuild kit from autozone and use the one that looks like a clothespin with a screw in it. I used it successfully to remove both of my a couple of weekends ago

[km911]

i was changing both control arms in drivers side today and it was no problem,only tools which i use 18mm,21mm,22mm key and big hammer

[joemik]

had to take the whole strut assembly to a shop. guy took it out in 10 seconds with a jack hammer like air tool.

[njdjh2o]

Well, it gave you that much trouble. You had to do, what you had to do to get it on right?