Help - Thrust/Tension/FCA ball joint stuck

[Drifter2090]

Hey guys, last weekend I attempted to change out my thrust arms for new oem ones, but I did not get very far.

The bushing side unbolted easy but the ball-joint end just wont come out. I have tried pickle forks, tons of hammering, soaked in PB for days, hammering the side of the housing.

I'm out of ideas, I cant get the nut back on since the end has mushroomed so I will have to grind the bolt down to get it through if I ever get it loosened. Worst case I can get CAA to tow it to a shop but I would like to avoid that if possible.

Anyone have other ideas? I've never had this much issue with a ball joint before, even on super corroded cars.

[Ajolives]

Did you try unloading the ball joint? If I'm not mistaken, there's tension on the ball joint just hanging there. Put a jack under it to support the weight of the assembly, then try and beat the crap out of the tension arm.

Just out of curiosity, are you changing them because of vibrations?

[chalbe]

The ball joint already has no load. The bushing is detached from the subframe.

A ball joint tool has always worked for me. If it is really crusty and/or stuck I also use a torch and some Kroil. Auto parts stores rent the tool.

The next problem may be the deformed end where you hammered the ball joint. It might not fit through the knuckle.

[pbonsalb]

Cut or grind the deformed head.

[Drifter2090]

Thanks for the help guys!

I was able to cut the mushroomed head off, then drill a small hole into the bolt to fit a punch, and hit the punch a few times hard to get it out.

Finally got the new arm in!!

[Drifter2090]

Originally Posted by Ajolives

Did you try unloading the ball joint? If I'm not mistaken, there's tension on the ball joint just hanging there. Put a jack under it to support the weight of the assembly, then try and beat the crap out of the tension arm.

Just out of curiosity, are you changing them because of vibrations?

Not cause of vibrations, I was getting some steering shake under high speed braking. It's all fixed now with the new arms

[Ajolives]

Originally Posted by Drifter2090

Not cause of vibrations, I was getting some steering shake under high speed braking. It's all fixed now with the new arms

Nice, glad you got it fixed, those situations always suck. I'm thinking of doing a suspension refresh and just trying to hedge any common PITA items.

[Drifter2090]

Originally Posted by Ajolives

Nice, glad you got it fixed, those situations always suck. I'm thinking of doing a suspension refresh and just trying to hedge any common PITA items.

Yeah i'm very glad haha, I would double check all the bushings/joints. If your mileage is lower your arms are most likely not too bad.