Cracking front ball joints

[sparky]

Over weekend I tried but failed to loosen / remove the ball joints in the front upper suspension arms. I actually practiced this first on a spare loose suspension set I have, and although it took all the pressure I could muster with the removal tool, I did succeed in cracking two ball joints in practice.

But when I got to the real joints on the car they would not crack despite same tool similar pressure, on either side of the car. Wondering if anyone can suggest a secret technique for encouraging these little suckers to let go. I tried pouring boiling water over one, but no luck. I have not used a hammer on side of joint which is often used on steel suspension, but not good for our alloy arms.

 

[NSX-SA]

Give me a call Chris i will come over to assist.

 

[ATERPAK]

Use the hammer or better yet a heavier mallet. Just some good solid taps on the ball joint upper area where it's round on the A-arm should be enough to loosen it from it's tight grip on the knuckle. Also spray that area liberally with something like "Nut Blaster" or some other type of penetrating lubricant on the stud part of the ball joint. This area is tapered and over time gets wedged into the knuckle where the ball joint tool just can't quite break it loose. Sometimes all it needs is a little good solid whack with a big hammer. Good luck.

Al
Been there. Done that.

 

[nigel]

If you have access to aviation stuff try and get a bit of a penetrating fluid called "Aero-Kroil", orange spray can.
Spray and let it sit for about 20 minutes. A good solid bash with a nice size metal hammer and it should come apart.
This stuff is the dogs bollicks.

Cheers
nigel