Track control arm to vertical link

[JeffW]

Hi

I am refurbishing my front suspension. I do not intend to try and replace track control arm ball joints, but rather just swap them for the already-rebuilt ones.

However, I cannot seem to separate the vertical link (with stub axle still installed) from the old track control arm. Is this a press fit requiring some force to separate? Will a ball joint separator (fork style) or other style work?

Thanks for any tips
Jeff

[NeilR]

Yes, it's a taper. So a ball joint splitter will work, or two large hammers.

Never had a great deal of success with a fork type splitter myself, so mine is a two part item with large bolts.
Bit of a nightmare to get in situ without destroying ball joint boots, but not usually an issue as they are being replaced anyway.

[sujitroy]

I have the other style ball joint separator . the one where you attach and then tighten a bolt to separate. it is a bit small for the track control ball joint. it works well for the racks ball joint. here in USA most auto shops rent such tools for free. the deposit is the cost of the tool. When you return it. you get the full deposit back.

[Fortyfiver]

I used the fork type, I don’t think I’ve hit anything so hard, eventually came apart
Alan

[NeilR]

Mine was originally designed for Land Rover sized ball joints, hence the difficulty in getting it in situ.

[flying farmer]

Hold a hammer one side of the vertical link and whack the other side with another hammer, the taper will pop apart quite easily but may need several hits.

This is a useful method if you want to reuse the ball joint as it doesn't damage the gaitor, just make sure the nut is on a couple of threads in case your aim is off. Won't matter in your case as you are not reusing the ball joints.

[wilf]

If you don't care about the gaitor, the fork type works fine, you just have to be (very) brutal with it. Hit it like you stole it............

[Ian P]

Get a plastic gallon container and cut around about just over a inch from the bottom of the thread then cut down from the top of the thread down one side then wrap it around the gaiter part of the joint to protect it, keep the nut on a few threads to protect them while giving a few firm hits on the arm where the tapered joint goes through it, while baring down the lower arm.

[JeffW]

Thank you all for all the suggestions. I will give it a go with a couple of hammers, but first I will have to cut off the seized drag strut so I can get at it.

The rear suspension went so well in comparison. Everything on the front suspension of this car is badly seized.

Jeff