Help Removing Tension Struts

[zonian]

OK, so what's the secret to loosening the tension strut ball joint without using the special DCX tool? I've been pounding on the damn thing for 30 minutes...no budge. I even put the jack under it to try to leverage the vehicle weight...no budge.

I'm not worried about ruining the threads because I'm replacing the whole thing anyway...

Any ideas?

Paul

[klarmie]

OK, so what's the secret to loosening the tension strut ball joint without using the special DCX tool? I've been pounding on the damn thing for 30 minutes...no budge. I even put the jack under it to try to leverage the vehicle weight...no budge.

I'm not worried about ruining the threads because I'm replacing the whole thing anyway...

Any ideas?

Paul

bigger hammer? Just kidding, do you have a "pickle fork" ? You will have to look out for the disc brake shield if you use the pickle fork.

[zonian]

B. F. H. woreked. One side done....on to the other.

Paul

[progolfer82]

I replaced mine today. I had a hard time getting the bolt out and I used a BIG flat head screw driver and hammered the bolt on the nut end and it came out like butter. Hour for both sides.

[bklynmag]

Few shots with a heavy hammer and they drop right out.

[Rob@WretchedMS]

do not use a pickle fork, if you have a pickle fork dispose of it as fast as possible.

it will do nothing other than damage your ball joints.


The best way to get the ball joint loose from the knuckle is by using a big hammer and hitting the side of the knuckle where the stud goes through. give it a couple good wacks, and don't be shy, just don't miss.

this is how we do it, this is how the dealers do it, and this is how you should do it.

[NC-SXT]

bigger hammer? Just kidding, do you have a "pickle fork" ? You will have to look out for the disc brake shield if you use the pickle fork.

Oh ya because you can punch a hole in it. Dont ask how I know.

[progolfer82]

I took pictures of the process yesterday and will post tonight.

[gameover]

I use this and it makes the job much easier. it can be found at autozone for around $10 bucks. Loosen the nut but dont remove it and put the tool on. Be cafeful a pop will sound when you get it loose.

[bigjim]

BFH and use your balls, the only way... JUst did a set for another member yesterday, 1 hour for sway links and tension struts.

[karfreek]

Well, I tried today and lost. I had a 5lb hammer and everything that I could put into it and nothing. I was hitting the knuckle so hard that it was leaving marks.

Jay

[BuckeyeRT]

I use this and it makes the job much easier. it can be found at autozone for around $10 bucks. Loosen the nut but dont remove it and put the tool on. Be cafeful a pop will sound when you get it loose.

This is what I had to use. I got it from Advanced Auto part tool rental (free).
I hit with a hammer like you would not believe. I lifted the car with a jack on the nut then hit...nothing. Puller worked like a charm.

[bigjim]

Well, I tried today and lost. I had a 5lb hammer and everything that I could put into it and nothing. I was hitting the knuckle so hard that it was leaving marks.

Jay

If you have a nasty one, wind up some tension with a puller like above, THEN hit the side of the knuckle. Otherwise hit the tension strut stud up (carefully but HARD), not the knuckle.