Best tools to seperate steering joints

billpatterson

billpatterson

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Hi there
I am swapping out steering boxes and need to seperate 2 steering joints. The tie rod joint is to create room. What tools, techniques do members use for this?

Appreciated
Bill

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Ball joint tool

Any recommendations for brand/model of efficient ball joint seperator?
e9coupe.com e9coupe.com

Ball joint separation for centre tie rod

I'm trying to change out the centre tie rod and given the lack of a gap between the steering arm and tie rod which has a felt washer between it there seems no way to get my ball joint splitters on it. The obvious is to start whacking with a big hammer but i dont want to damage the steering box...
e9coupe.com e9coupe.com

Not sure if it will work on the ones you are doing but I used the OTC 7315A on othe rones.
 
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I use the Harbor Freight one. It will do every joint on the car and if you’re careful it also doesn’t damage the boots. I have the OTC one as well but it is larger so doesn’t fit in tight areas like getting the pitman arm off the drag link, etc.

www.harborfreight.com

3/4 in. Ball Joint Separator

Amazing deals on this 3/4In Ball Joint Separator at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com www.harborfreight.com

This thing has taken some serious abuse and keeps on truckin’. I have even used the impact on it with no ill effects. Just make sure the threads are greased.

In my opinion, it’s the best tool in the store.
 
Pickle fork and BFH, or two hammers on opposing sides when the joint is exposed. Old joints seem to have a certain (HIGH) minimum level of force required, below which one can hammer away all day with zero progress.

I grease the tapered stud prior to reassembly, on the repeatedly proven presumption that the next poor guy "in there" will be me.

It used to be the case the BMP Designs sold replacement ball joint covers, in red no less. I got a six-pack and used them all up. It seemed for a time that BMW ball joints had a pretty limited lifespan, or else I was picking up susceptible examples. 2002s, E32, E34 all have come by my less-than-tender approaches. I'm good with chicks too.
 
THX for the support. I have used the 2 large hammer method with success previously and for this project picked up a box of ball joint separators/pullers from Amazon.

Success...I have separated both of those joints. I had to sacrifice the castle nut on one but have new castle nuts coming from Turner.

Appreciated,
Bill
 
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