Torsion Bar Ball Joint Boot replacement - THANKS

[Pfennig]

Thanks to all for the replies. Will give the hammer a go. As I do not want to replace the joint I will give the heating method a miss.

Checking bus prior to impending MOT and found that the ball joint boot on the lower off side torsion arm is split. I have a new boot but getting the ball joint free is proving more than a little awkward. Have removed the nut on the ball joint but cannot get the joint free from the steering knuckle. Joint is to large for my ball joint splitter so have tried one of the 'Y' fork splitters and hammer to no avail. Any suggestions how to free the joint please. :x

 

[Hilly_70]

2 large hammers and hit either side of the surround of the joint and it sometimes shocks out .. Its worked for me in the past..

Hilly

 

[rallye dale]

Heat usually does it

 

[Happystamps]

I've never owned a ball joint splitter, never needed one. pop a jack under the ball joint (nut loosely on) and smack the eye of the joint with a hammer. if it doesn't work, use a different size hammer. works 100% of the time, maybe it'll take 5 minutes or so but it'll come free eventually.

 

[mattp]

Or buy a larger ball joint splitter, works for me

 

[audix]

i smash mine into the stoneage with a hammer. Works just fine.

 

[Alex VW Heritage]

Heat usually does it

Heat WILL trash the ball join itself so only use heat if replacing the whole joint and not just the boot!