30 second ball joint separator..

[PS172]

Just finished changing my left upper ball joint boot, the tool used is a hydraulic ball joint separator with 6 tons of force, took 4-5 turns on the pump bolt and less than 30 seconds to pop, very easy and safe , fitted the joint perfectly...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBLyB18Pq4k

 

[shern]

Where did you purchase this from?

 

[Juice]

A quick search and I found this.

http://www.handpaw.com/

Nice find, by the way.

 

[Silver Surfer]

Do they split the rubber boot during the process?

Any simple tools to press than back in once you got them out?

SS

 

[PS172]

Do they split the rubber boot during the process?

Any simple tools to press than back in once you got them out?

SS

Well my boot was already teared, but it didnt suffer any further damage from the tool, the tool is for sale on Ebay, just search for Hydraulic ball joint separator, is about a $150.00 with shipping from England, didnt found any vendor in USA. The boot can be installed by hand easily, the ball joint stud is pressed by hand, and tightened back with a 17mm wrench. Very easy to do took about 45 minutes to remove and reassemble the caliper, rotor, and the steel air deflector.

 

[ftuhy]

Per the handpaw website, they make 2 versions - 22 mm and 36 mm jaw width. Which one did you purchase & use on your NSX?

 

[PS172]

The 22mm fits well against the knuckle insert preventing it from pulling out with the ball joint. The forked part has to sit squarely on the insert top side with the ball joint stud in between..bought it from this ebay vendor......http://www.ebay.com/itm/360507107463?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[angus]

I cannot believe they show the balljoint being popped and stuff flying off like that. I always install the nut (backed off a few threads only) to press against - this prevents mushrooming the stud and also lessens the flying objects.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

I cannot believe they show the balljoint being popped and stuff flying off like that. I always install the nut (backed off a few threads only) to press against - this prevents mushrooming the stud and also lessens the flying objects.

A VERY valuable lesson. I do the same, and it was the first thing I thought about when I saw the video.

Regards,
LarryB

 

[PS172]

Yeap, I used a nut and 2 washers with about 2mm free play before popping it out with the tool, the video is scary,,, but the tool works great.

 

[freeon]

What about this one. Don't know the quality but looks cheaper and available in the US. I searched on Mac Tools website and didn't find anything but when I Google "Mac Tool Balljoint Separator" it gives a link to there site with same part number but no picture. If it's the same and sold by Mac Tools it must be a decent tool.

http://www.amazon.com/automotive/dp/B0015PN010

 

[PS172]

There is a previous thread about that one, it was the reason to go with the hydraulic one......http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php/87445-DIY-upper-A-arm-removal

 

[freeon]

What is the difference between the 2. I don't get why the first one is called hydraulic. It seems the same. In the picture at least. Just want to make sure I have the right tool for when my parts arrive.

 

[PS172]

The cheaper one uses a steel screw to push against the tool leg, the expensive one has a big screw, with a secondary smaller screw on top that pushes on a Hydraulic pump plunger inside, that actuates the conical ram in the end of the big screw...in fact actually is a mini Hydraulic ram... pushing force is very high about 8 tons. ... You only exert minimal force with a 12mm wrench on it, you can see the video in the link posted.