UCA Ball joint separator
UCA Ball joint separator
What do you guys use to separate the upper control arm ball joint from the knuckle?
My pitman ball joint separator wont work
And I can't get this one to work either
I refuse to use the pickle fork type since that will guarantee a ruined boot. Any suggestions?
My pitman ball joint separator wont work
And I can't get this one to work either
I refuse to use the pickle fork type since that will guarantee a ruined boot. Any suggestions?
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 271
Likes: 37
From: Tx
Well, I hate to admit it but I used a maul to smack the knuckle. Two or three solid blows worked fine. If you are replacing the upper arms, oe new ones come with a new boot. Striking the knuckle runs a very small risk of cracking it. The secret is to hit it really hard.
Does AZ have another separator that will work? I have both the ones on the pic.
Unfortunately I'm not replacing the UCAs so I can't goto town on them...
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 365
From: New Hampshire
The steering knuckle holes that the ball joint studs sit in are tapered, you can hit them with a hammer to quickly distort the shape of the hole, and it will pop the ball joint stud out. I'd say this is the preferred (and quickest way) to remove any ball joint or tie rod from a knuckle. I never (ever) waste a single second on a pickle fork or any of the tools you have pictured in the OP.
Of course you have to be good with a hammer - you don't want to swing and miss, hitting something you aren't supposed to - and it will take a good swing as well. But it works.
I should probably emphasize that you are trying to hit the knuckle where the stud sits, not the actual ball joint, or ball joint stud.
Of course you have to be good with a hammer - you don't want to swing and miss, hitting something you aren't supposed to - and it will take a good swing as well. But it works.
I should probably emphasize that you are trying to hit the knuckle where the stud sits, not the actual ball joint, or ball joint stud.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,657
Likes: 45
From: Maryland
I'm also surprised that the second tool didn't fit. Usually the very end is tapered and will allow the jaw opening to slide over the very bottom where it starts to narrow.
Trending Topics
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 7
From: Wa
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Returd
SC - 1st Gen (1992-2000)
12
Sep 12, 2017 06:04 PM
O1GS43O
Suspension and Brakes
7
Jun 1, 2010 08:34 PM
95gs300
GS - 1st Gen (1993-1997)
4
Aug 8, 2007 07:15 PM