Ball joint puller needed for front lower control arms?

jefflamonica · Post by **jefflamonica** » 03 Mar 2016, 15:16

I'm about to replace the lower control arms on my newly-acquired 1998 S90. Do I need a special ball joint puller, or is there another way for a DIY'er? If I need one, is this something specific to Volvo, or a loaner tool from local parts store?

Post by **cuhfs** » 03 Mar 2016, 17:30

Often a shot on the side with a heavy hammer will get it to drop. Loaner fork from parts store will work too.

Post by **benpineapple** » 22 Mar 2016, 08:07

I was able to pound one out no problem (with the help of some PB blast), the other one not so much. Was able to do it by cutting the top up, drilling into it (1/2" bit), then pounding it more with a cold punch to make it cave in on itself. Wished I would have had a fork to do the job, would have been way easier. Take care not to damage the knuckle if you decide to pound it out.

They're conic, and I believe there are small ridges on the inside for a better grip, take care not to twist the ball joint post in the knuckle.

apollokid · Post by **apollokid** » 18 Apr 2016, 00:41

Yes, standard ball joint separators have a too short opening, you need a two jaws pit man arm extractor. I bought a complete front-end set on ebay for near 60€ that contains all 5 different extractors. The one I've used is the type that remember a strong two arms gear puller. It is not common.... It is easy to find on some US sites.
May be a strong two arms gear puller will work, but you have to make a adapter to hang the lower fastening of the ball joint to avoid it slips.