removing upper ball joints

[flashley18]

How do you separate the spindle from the upper ball joint.  Tired a pickle fork but it did not seem to be working so I quit before I do any damage.  Is there a tool you can rent??

[golden73]

Try heating it up and see if you can pound/press it out

[Charger_Fan]

The ball joints are a press-fit into the spindle...and after so may years, they are in there TIGHT! If the pickle fork you're using is a cheap one, sometimes the metal on those will flex & not allow the tool to do it's job. Higher quality tools will usually do the job better & sometimes you can rent those from parts stores.

Use a good heavy hammer & don't be afraid to hit it hard! With a heavy hammer & a good tool, they usually come apart in 4 or 5 hits. I'm assuming you're not gonna re-use the ball joint...the rubber boots are usually garbage after pickle fork usage.

Don't forget safety glasses either.

[flashley18]

I got a good pickle fork and like you said really wacked it.  That did the trick.  I was afraid I was going to damage some parts but they seem to be fine.  Thanks for the advice.