Lower control arm

walnut · Unread post by **walnut** » 28 May 2005, 13:59

Hello,
I'am looking for some experienced advice.
currently struggling to extract the ball joint on the lower control arm of a Xantia.
Have tried a two armed puller but it just keeps falling off.
Feel like its time for sammy the sledge hammer!
Could anybody recommend the best tool for the job. [}:)][}:)][}:)]

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 28 May 2005, 14:17

i allways split lower swivels and track rod ends with club hammer, you loosen nut till it is about 1 to 2 treads from end so you can turn with fingers,leave it just on to gaurd thread,then give side of eye that swivel goes trough a sharp strik,just be careful not to beat sh**t out of it,this is all done with no presure in front strut,i also put a jack under anti roll bar drop link lower ball joint so it lifts strut up to allow arm to come away from leg,YOU MUST NOT HIT THREAD AT ALL regard malcolm

bernie · Unread post by **bernie** » 28 May 2005, 17:03

I've just replaced the 4 lower arm rubber bushes on my Xantia. I used a claw type ball joint breaker, never let me down.[:)]

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 28 May 2005, 17:45

trouble with them you might split rubber boot regards malcolm

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 28 May 2005, 20:07

Since I've installed air compressor in my workshop I'm able to use a not-so-violent approach :
Unwind nut and leave it on such it protects the threads, be sure the nut unwinds completely no hassle.
Then using a chisel gun with a needle tipped chissel on end of swivel bolt (from below) the joint will rattle loose. Must have a counterweight on arm - like a club hammer.
This methods works like you're using the club hammer with super frequent hammering [^]

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 29 May 2005, 00:00

dont this spead the thread,couldant you use flat tiped bit on side of eye where you would normaly clonk it with club hammer regards malcolm

sooty · Unread post by **sooty** » 29 May 2005, 00:11

I'm not sure if these are the same as the ZX or not, but use I a chisel in the split clamp to slighty open the clamp holding the ball joint.
Otherwise if its a tapered ball joint connection, I as said above, leaving the nut at the top of threads to protect them. Then I hit the side of the tapered joint of the ball joint or track rod end to shock the joint apart. Normally a sharp hefty blows works, don't play lightly with it otherwise you'll keep on knocking it till the cows come home and create a out of shape tapered hole.
Good Luck