Caution: On most vehicles that require the ball joints to be pressed in and out, the job can be difficult even with a good ball joint press. It’s best to have a mechanic do this job for you.
Whether you’re replacing a worn ball joint or upgrading your suspension, removing your ball joints and replacing it with a new one is likely part of the process. Good thing there are tools that you can use to make this DIY repair or installation job easy.
If you’re new to using a ball joint press, and you’d like to know more, you’re reading the right article.
Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have access to a good, strong impact wrench to operate the press, you probably don’t need to even try this. Some ball joints are very stubborn and others are configured so that it’s difficult to choose the right adapters.
What Is a Ball Joint Press and How Does It Work?
A ball joint press is a specialized tool used to remove and replace ball joints.
A ball joint press kit often includes all the tools needed for press fit ball joint removal and installation, including a C-frame press and a set of receiving tubes or adaptors.
The C-frame press is kind of like a C-Clamp on steroids, and you need to make sure you apply grease to the threads on the press jackscrew before you start. The tool is used to apply force to the press out and remove the ball joints from your control arms or steering knuckles. You can also use it to install the ball joint replacements.
The C-frame press is kind of like a C-Clamp on steroids, and you need to make sure you apply grease to the threads on the press jackscrew before you start.
– Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
The kit typically comes with several different receiving tubes of various sizes and lengths and several different adapters. You have to be careful to choose the right one for the ball joint you’re replacing.
How to Remove a Ball Joint Using a Ball Joint Press
If you’re trying to remove a worn-out ball joint, below is a step-by-step guide discussing how to use a ball joint press.
Before starting, park your vehicle somewhere you can safely work on it, like your garage or an empty lot. Also, don’t forget to follow safety precautions, and put on your gloves and safety goggles when doing any automotive repair.
Lift the Car Using a Jack
Once you’re ready to work lift your car using a jack. You can also use a car ramp if you have one.
Remove the Ball Joint’s Snap Ring
A ball joint usually has a snap ring surrounding its head. You’ll have to remove it using snap ring pliers before you press the ball joint out.
Clean the Ball Joint
Before removing your old ball joint, it’s best to remove any dirt or rust surrounding it. Otherwise, these contaminants might scratch or damage your control arm once you press the ball joint out. You can use a brake cleaner and a brush to clean your ball joint.
Apply Penetrating Fluid
After cleaning the ball joint, you can apply penetrating fluid. This lubricating fluid will help make pressing out your ball joint easier because it reduces friction and resistance.
Find a Receiving Tube That Fits Your Ball Joint
You’re going to need a receiving tube or adaptor that can fit the bottom part of your ball joint. Once you’ve found the right tube, position it beneath the ball joint.
Make sure that the tube is touching the control arm. Don’t let it touch the actual ball joint. The ball joint stud should be right at the center of the receiving tube hole.
If you’re not sure which tube or adaptor to use, try fitting them into the ball joint to see which one works best. Remember, it must go around the whole ball joint and press against the control arm.
Position Your C-Frame
Once you’re done, you can now position your C-frame on top of your ball joint. You can look for DIY videos online if you’re not sure how to position the tool. Generally, it should be at the middle portion of your ball joint’s head.
If You Have No Impact Wrench, Try to Use a Breaker Bar or Ratchet to Tighten the Press
If you’re sure that the receiving tube and C-frame are positioned correctly, you can start tightening the press until the ball joint comes off. Sometimes this is very difficult, particularly in rust-prone areas where road salt is used in the winter.
Make sure to inspect your control arm for cracks or any form of damage after you remove your ball joint.
How to Install a New Ball Joint Using a Ball Joint Press
You can also use a ball joint press to easily install a new ball joint. Here’s how to do it:
Get a Receiving Tube
Once you’re ready to press in your new ball joint, look for a receiving tube that will fit your ball joint. The tube must touch the circular portion of your new ball joint without coming in contact with the body’s rubber portion.
Look for the Correct Caps for the Installation Procedure
You need to place a cap under the tube, below the ball joint stud. Then, find another cap to place above the tube. You’ll know that it’s the correct fit if it touches the control arm without coming in contact with the ball joint head.
Position the C-frame In Reverse
This time, you’ll have to position your frame in reverse because you’re going to press the ball joint upwards. You may have to jack up your control arm for your C-frame to fit.
Double-check the Position of the Caps
Make sure that you’ve positioned the caps and the receiving tube correctly. Once you’re sure you can go ahead and tighten the press.
Tighten the Press Using a Ratchet
Continue to tighten the press. Once it’s tight enough and the new ball joint is in its proper position, remove the C-frame.
Install a New Split Ring
After that, you can install your new split ring. Make sure that you press down on both sides to securely fasten the ball joint.
How Much Does a Ball Joint Press Kit Cost?
While you can rent a ball joint press kit from many auto part stores in the US, you can also buy one if you want. A top-notch ball joint press kit goes for around $50 to $80. Prices vary depending on the brand and the kit’s inclusions.
How to Get a Ball Joint Press
Installing a new ball joint can be hard, but having the right tools can make it so much easier. This is why investing in a high-quality ball joint press is a great idea. Ball joint presses are specifically designed to help you remove ball joints without damaging them and other parts of your suspension. Upgrade your tool box by getting a ball joint press from CarParts.com today.
At CarParts.com, we have high-quality ball joint presses available at different price points. Easily browse through our catalog with the help of our search filters, which you can use to find the ball joint press that best fits your budget. We offer a price match guarantee, which means if you find another competitor selling the same product at a lower price, we’ll either match or beat their price on the spot! We’re dedicated to making sure you get the best deals every single time, so this applies to products you’ve already purchased. Just let us know, and we’ll issue a credit for the difference.
Don’t hesitate to invest in the right tools, so you can be better equipped to handle repair tasks by yourself. Check out our catalog of high-quality ball joint presses at CarParts.com and order today!
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