Date:         Sun, 18 Jun 2000 22:23:49 -0500
Reply-To:     sdelasal@yahoo.com
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steve Delasalle <sdelasal@yahoo.com>
Subject:      A happy end to the Ball Joint Saga..

Prior to my last post, I'd had lot of grief using a pickle fork to remove
the ball joint. I borrowed the ball joint tool from autozone - and that was
way way too big.

After my last post on this subject & following up some of the good advice
...here's what happened..


Borrowed a 'Pitman Arm Puller' OEM 27016, from Autozone. (They debit your
credit card but you get a full refund if you return the tool - they call
this there 'loaner tool' program - I think Murrays do the same too).  I had
to remove the brake caliper first, the tool fitted perfectly, I screwed in
the lead screw left it tensioned & came back 5 minutes later - the ball
joint was loose - success! No bashing, no sweat!

Only difficulty was torquing up the big nut on the ball joint - no socket so
I had to guestimate.

Around to the other side - I removed the caliper expecting the same
procedure but would you believe it the ball joint popped out on its own as I
undid its large nut - so, in hindsight I'd suggest loosening the nut first
to see if you're going to be lucky before you remove the brake caliper.


As a Brit working here temporarily, it's interesting dealing with the parts
places here. First, there's the confusion over terminology - e.g. wrench Vs
spanner!  What I do find strange is that it often seems difficult to get
advice 'over the counter' - is it a litigation thing?  I found that trying
to explain the problems with the ball joint got me nowhere - in one branch
of autozone, the guy would not loan me the 'pitman arm tool' as I was
'working on a ball-joint' so obviously needed that tool - he said the ball
joint would break the pitman arm tool!!!  Another guy said just hit it
harder - as that was all he ever had to do!  I found the best approach was
to just ask for what you want to try & don't ask for advice - sad really!
Anyway, overall he tool loan thing is good - nothing like it in the UK.



For those who actually enjoy changing ball joint, then I'd like to suggest
the following investment for the princely sum of $5.99 - As far as I can
tell, its the same tool as I borrowed from Autozone (All made in
China/Taiwan of course).

See http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/taf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=1752


                TIE ROD AND PITMAN
                       ARM PULLER


                Industrial Steel Frame

                Heat-treated pulling screw with protective black
                finish and industrial steel frame combine for high
                torque pulls and long life. Slim enough to fit into
                cramped areas. Smooth moving machined
                threads.

                    Manufacturer: Central Forge
                    Quantity: 1
                    Drive: 3/4"
                    Opening: 1-5/16"
                    Pull: 2-1/2"

                ITEM 1752-1VGA

                $5.99

I'm 95% sure it's the same thing ... they do list another tool at
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/taf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=36865

but that looks to be bigger i.e. "Fits arms from 1-5/16" to 2-1/2" " - the
one from autozone has a slot that is exactly 1-5/16" wide which I think is
what my first tool reference refers too.