I have been trying to remove the spindles from my ball joint front beam. The top one comes out no problem, but the bottom one just wont shift.
I've tried using the ball joint separator, but even though I bash it in there, it doesnt move at all.
Any advice?

And I suppose that the rubbers on the balljoints are naturally destroyed by the ball joint tool, and then the joints cannot be re-used? Or am I doing something wrong?

just hit the stub axle with a FB hammer/mallet where the balljoint goes into it (not the thread or balljoint)

after about 5 to 10 big hits (full swing) it will come out.

The hits described above will work, they are meant to deform the taper where the shaft of the b/j goes thru the stub axle. Yes using a fork type tool will destroy the boots, and may not remove the joint. The easy way that doesn't hurt anything is a very strong press.( about 20 tonne should do it)

make sure its F B hammer as well and belt on the side not the thread end

ok, excuse my ignorance, but what is an F B Hammer?

F#ck'n Big Hammer

its a very technical term often used by harley mechanics!

Hi

I use a wind-up ball joint breaker, it has never hurt any of my ball joint boots and works on VW tie rods and ball joints fine. You can get them at most tool places.

Steve

Same here, had a home made one, with some 12mm plate steel, and a 21 mm bolt.....

The wind up one works great and doesn't damage anything and takes away all teh frsutration!!!

Hi

With mine you wind it up, expecting things to fly around the garage but it just goes bang and falls on the floor, much safer than hitting things with knockometers.

Steve

Its interesting to watch 12mm plate flex sometimes........

... you can get new BJ boots at Repco, too

if you need a Ball joint boot then is almost certain that you will need a new joint as well
after its had all the dirt n grit getting in there and wearing it out probally only a few bucks different as well

thanks all for the advice.
now I dont feel like such an F B idiot!

Hi Matt

This is one like mine http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/TA-61900.html 

Steve

thats the one to use...(pic above) dont be surprised if it still takes a knock as well, depending on rust etc.
This separator just saves the need for two FB Hammers.

Also to stop the ball joint flying out leave the nut on a couple of threads.
cheers

I was going to ask whether or not you can buy just the ball joint boots, but i thought i would do a search on the forums. i found this thread. thanks everyone for just posting questions and answers so that we can all benefit from the experience of each other.

hey 68AutoBug, i have phoned Repco and there is two sizes they sell. do you know what size you bought?
Andrew