99 Merc sable ball joint - Engine and Car Noises


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99 Merc sable ball joint

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fuzzy1
User

Feb 27, 2010, 6:09 AM

Post #1 of 4 (2166 views)

99 Merc sable ball joint	Sign In

Good Day,
I have a 1999 Merc Sable and im having problems separating the lower ball joint from the lower control arm. The hub bearing is bad and i dont want to damage the good ball joint with a pickle fork. Any ideas? I've tried a 7 foot pry bar and hammer to loosen but no luck.

nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
nickwarner profile image

Feb 27, 2010, 11:18 AM

Post #2 of 4 (2156 views)

Re: 99 Merc sable ball joint	Sign In

I doubt this is going to come apart without the pickle fork, but just separating the joint with the fork shouldn't damage it. Might tear the rubber boot a bit, but if you're careful this can be minimized. With that 7 foot bar you are putting pressure on more than just the ball joint, and could possibly do damage if you get too rough. The pickle fork is only applying pressure exactly where you need it to be. If the joint comes apart from that, it wasn't a good joint to begin with.

way2old
Veteran / Moderator
way2old profile image

Feb 27, 2010, 11:20 AM

Post #3 of 4 (2155 views)

Re: 99 Merc sable ball joint	Sign In

Usually a big hammer where the ball joint goes through the spindle will free it. Just be sure to hit on a solid part on the spindle directly where the ball joint goes through.

Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds

fuzzy1
User

Feb 27, 2010, 6:11 PM

Post #4 of 4 (2143 views)

Re: 99 Merc sable ball joint	Sign In

ok. got the darn thing out.. turns out a good solid pitman arm puller does the trick.. fit like a glove and 5 turns of the ratchet and it popped loose.
I did try the hammer idea as I have for many years along with the big bar and had no luck, so a little online research proved the pitman arm puller to work best.
I greatly appreciate the info.
Thanks Fuzzy1

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