Ball Joint Splitter

XantiaExclusiveHDI · Unread post by **XantiaExclusiveHDI** » 28 Jun 2011, 19:56

Hey everyone..

Could anyone recommend a good ball joint splitter? I bought a Sykes Pickavant one - however the jaw is only 19mm wide and wont fit the wishbone front joint

Thanks!

davewithington · Unread post by **davewithington** » 28 Jun 2011, 20:22

Hit both sides of the joint at the same time with a couple of good hammers - it'll pop apart.

Where in Staffordshire are you?

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 28 Jun 2011, 21:48

Yep, disconnect the drop link end first as this frees up the hub carrier and lower arm a little more.

See my notes under "Taiwanese Ball Joints" in Chat. Yes, a workshop environment but many of the approaches still work on the ground (as in, with the front on stands).

Toby_HDi · Unread post by **Toby_HDi** » 28 Jun 2011, 23:13

If by wishbone front joint you mean the lower hub balljoint then 19mm fits. My one is 19mm and the jaws fit fine.

You just need to be prepared for the pin in the middle of the splitter to shear, if it does replace it with a nut and bolt.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 29 Jun 2011, 06:27

When using those pullers on lower swivels, do the splitter bolt up near-FT and then wallop the end of the splitter with a club hammer.

The shock will help jolt the joint free and save strain on the puller and the potential of the trouble you had with with your centre pin Toby. Chances are a good clout on a tightened splitter will be enough to shock the joint completely free...

Using a splitter and a hammer like this is a good combination of Dave's double-hammer technique. That one actually does work a treat but requires a bit of practice and a technique. Imagine clapping with two hammers; that's roughly the method!

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 29 Jun 2011, 07:46

i find just one club hammer enough but mine you dont catch the swivle boot,

as split dust boots on swivles is comming in as an MOT fail,

if useing the spliter you do have to bash it into place with a hammer,

and again mind you dont catch/pinch that dust boot,

regards malcolm

XantiaExclusiveHDI · Unread post by **XantiaExclusiveHDI** » 26 Sep 2011, 17:28

Hey!

Well my car's been off the road all Summer - but started every week

I rarely drive anyway in the Summer - well most times really - my Cycle is my main transport nowadays

Thought Id better get this done during this nice weather - and before Winter strikes.

I had another go with the splitter. There is no way it will fit. I measured the lower ball boot ring clip with a micrometer - it's 24mm. The jaws of my seperator are 19mm - and quite thick on the inner sides - probably a couple of mill. I tried hammering it in - but there is just no way without seriously damaging the boot / clip. I already nicked the boot

Is there any difference on my car as it's the HDI 110 with 288mm discs?

I see I can get 22m jaw separators - so might try that. Had a go at wallaping the arm by the joint - but no cigar!

DickieG · Unread post by **DickieG** » 26 Sep 2011, 18:40

I have a Sykes lever arm splitter which fits the joint, I take it you have the version where the bolt connects on the top of the ball joint stud?

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 27 Sep 2011, 00:27

I'd be surprised if you can't buy generic boots to cover for any splittage incurred in separating the stubborn joints.

As a "two hammer" fan, I prefer one lump hammer as a "stopper" and then a regular hammer the other side.