Hey all,

I am working on refreshing front suspension parts on my mini and i am stuck on removing inner ball joint.

As I am replacing my driveshafts also, I went ahead and removed the shaft, outer ball joint, tie-rod ends, etc... but for GOD SAKE, I cannot remove that inner ball joint from the LCA.

I went ahead and removed the two bolts for the joint and am currently working with center, tapered fit part.

I've been working with forks, PB blaster, torch, countless hammer blows and lots of hissing and cursing but this thing just does not want to come out.

It seems to be almost impossible to put any kind of ball joint tool without dropping sub-frame (which I really prefer not to do...).

Anyone have tips on removing the inner ball joint?

Please help me out! I really need to get this car get back on the road by coming monday :(

Thanks all in advance

 

unfortunately you might have to drop the subframe to get it out, if nothing you have tried has worked, you might need a shop press to get it out. I have heard of a lot of people needing a press to get it out. Mine came out with a few blows of a hammer. I know this isn't much help, but if the hammer, penetrate oil and even heat have not helped you are out of options.

 

A fork will work but you need a really big hammer. An 8 lb sledge might not be overkill.

 

If you have an air compressor and an impact tool, the high, repetitive shock & vibration may break it loose.

 

Thank you all for your inputs

Well, I have been working with short handle 2 pounder and it was enough for outer ball joint but looks like I will have to pick up a BIG F-ing Hammer tomorrow and just smash the crap out of it.

I do have snapon electronic impact and its been working flawlessly in taking off all the bolts so far.. but how would I apply the impact into shaking the tapered part? Tighten the nut would only make the fitment tighter no?

 

Those things can be tough to remove. I dropped the subframe and used a ball joint tool and fork to get mine.

BE CAREFUL! It can come out with considerable force unexpectedly. I was inexperienced when I did mine a few years ago and ended up with a big gash in the middle of my forehead. Keep the nut partially on so it doesn't fly off and hit you. I still have flashbacks...

 

I'm suggesting to use an impact hammer, not an impact wrench.

 

Ah ha, unfortunately, no access to an impact hammer :\

Anyways, I finally got that sucka out.

Tip for anyone who is tackling this task:

- Make sure you leave the two outer bolts intact before hammering the tapered section out. The two bolts will hold it stable and allow the fork to push downwards. With them taken off, ball joint fork can pushed in all the way and still have play..

- Angle the fork just right. If it is not angled right, it won't apply full force of hammering

Now, I am off to go putting the front with all the new parts ! :D

Thanks all again,!