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J's Balljoint Press Jigs - Work Performed on 1Nov03-2Nov03

Notes:

* Soak all nuts and pressfit studs with PB Blaster a week before and again the night before!

* I used the split bearing retainer because I already had knuckles out and couldn't get up to the store.  I'm sure you could find something at Home Depot or Lowes that would fit, oh well, I'm a Mechanical Engineer so I just decided to "come up with something."

* Be careful when you press the BJ into the knuckle.  If the jig isn't centered or the arbor isn't centered the BJ may start in crooked and you'll have to make an adjustment to press on the "less press in side" to even it out and then continue.  If this happens it can also screw up the inside where the ball rotates and cause the joint to fail prematurely.  So go slow.

* Another thing, make sure you install it in the knuckle the right way, with the stud sticking out the top of the knuckle.  I almost FUBAR'd that one but caught myself before I applied the force.

* The knuckle has a very narrow flange on which to rest it on the arbor plates to do the press work.  I managed by myself but if I had to do it again I would get a buddy to hold it steady and level while I run the press. 

* Sorry I don't have any in-progress pics but I was too lazy to stop and take pics during the install so this is all I got.  However, if you are within a reasonable driving distance I'd be more than happy to give you a hand, or you can come use my press and jigs.  Just be prepared to by a pizza and a case of beer!  Hehe, preferably Dos Equis {Lager, not Amber}.

* Be sure to get an alignment or at least have it checked afterward.

Tools:

Pics - email to request any special pics

Tools needed for upper and lower balljoint removal from A-Arms and pressing upper out of knuckle.

These are the jigs I came up with to do the press work. Notice the rear axle bearing retainer with a split in it. I have extras if you need one.

Match the green arrow with pic below.

12 ton shop press from Harbor Freight ~ $99

Split bearing retainer to press on the outside of the bottom of the BJ. You can't press on the middle as this will ruin the balljoint.

This is the jig setup I used to press the upper balljoint out of the knuckle. Notice where it hits the BJ.

Match the green arrows in the 2 pics. The is the part of the BJ that the press-out jig needs to contact to press it all the way through the knuckle. You have to get a big washer whose hole is big enough to slip over the BJ stud and whose OD is bigger than the pipe nipple.

 

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