Ball Joint Replacment - Which Press Tool?

[88JeepXJ]

Yeah I'm not saying it is impossible to do without the expensive press and adapter set...I've done several ball joints with the cheap stuff. I'm telling you from experience using the right, quality tools makes it a lot easier.

BTW in case you haven't heard, putting the new ball joints in the freezer at least a few hours before you do the work makes it go a little easier.

 

[88JeepXJ]

Oh and NEVER buy cheap ebay ball joints AND use the cheap tools. Wow was that a nightmare!

 

[MoparManiac]

I have done a severa; ball joints without the special adapters. I didn't find it all that hard. Started beating the joint in with a hammer using one of the non-specific adapters. Yes, it goes in on an angle, but just look and see what that angle is. Once you get it started, go easy with it while using the press. Crank it a couple turns and look and see that it isn't binding. I coated the hole and joint with anti-seize, to make installation (and later removal) a little easier. I figured I could spend the $75.00 on tools that I really need. And X3 on not using the HF press.

ditto x100. But I use a cheap press and have never had a problem.

I don't know why people make this out to be a difficult job.

 

[bigalpha]

Resurrection time.

Can I use the OTC adapters with the rental press from Autozone or Oreillys?

 

[md21722]

Yes its no problem. The big kits from AZ etc should work just fine without the OTC Adapters. The first time I did ball joints I used an Advance Auto kit and only later did I buy the OTC tools...

 

[bigalpha]

I originally rented the AZ kit, but the cup was too big to do the passenger side ball joint. I got all 3 others out. But I also wanted the slanted cup to ensure no issues during installation.