Crux

I've got the axle nut off, caliper off, lower ball joint disconnected.
The only thing still attached is the upper ball joint.

Supposedly the spindel/steering knuckle is supposed to just 'fall out' of the axle with a few taps from a hammer. LOL.

From the FSM:
"When it is difficult to disconnect the drive shaft, tap the drive shaft with a plastic hammer."

I've been banging on it trying to loosen the spines so the spindel will slide off, but haven't had any luck.

Any tips?

here's some pics:





I thought I might be able to use a 3 jaw pull to separate them... but not sure if this would work (haven't put pressure on it yet)

jimbo74

that will work, as would a slide hammer.... bust out some pb blaster in the shaft to help loosen up the rust i see in there

Crux

Yep, some PB blaster and a little pull from that 3 jaw puller and it slide right out.



Unfortunately when I was using that same 3 jaw puller (from Harbor Freight) to try and remove the upper ball joint it snapped!


Oh well, guess I should buy a heavy duty craftsman puller from Sears tomorrow.

93Toyota PU

You might try a pickle fork...these are used to separate ball joints after the nut is taken off. You can buy them at Sears and most auto part stores such as AutoZone, Advanced Auto, Pep Boys, NAPA...it's what I use for ball joints. Works well but make sure you don't pinch or tear the ball joint boot.

rock star mike

thread the nut back onto the upper ball joint so that it's flush with the top of the ball joint. i usually use a brass drift and hammer and smack the top of the ball joint stud. this will usually shock the ball joint taper out of the upper arm. take care not to damage ball joint threads. good luck.
mike

4RocRunner92

I wish we could learn things like in the matrix. =/

jimbo74

or hit the round part the balljoint goes through.....

i have always used balljoint pullers.... they are like a big C shaped thing with a threaded rod in the middle