Removing XJ Knuckle when Suspended on Ball Joints

R

RAVC1

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Michigan

• Apr 21, 2008

• #1

I'm replacing the unit bearing, axle shaft u-joints and the ball joints on my '97 D30. I've got everything apart and the steering knuckle is clinging to the ball joint studs. I have both upper and lower nuts on the joint stud but lowered to permit the knuckle to fall without dropping to the concrete once it is free from the conical stud.

Problem is I cannot get the knuckle to drop. I've tried several whacks with my 8 lb sledge and still no luck. The FSM says to do exactly what I've done using a brass hammer. Still, I'm missing something. What is it?

What is the best location to strike the steering knuckle to break it loose from the ball joint studs?

Thanks,

Rick

 

MoparManiac

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Amherst, NH

• Apr 21, 2008

• #2

You're missing a pickle fork!

 

Tim_MN

Freakish Hand Strength

NAXJA Member

Location

Minneapolis, MN

• Apr 21, 2008

• #3

Here are two good write-up on replacing D30 ball joints. They both show where to use the BFH.

.
http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/balljoint/balljoint-1.htm

.
http://www.madxj.com/MADXJ/technical/technicalfiles/ARadjustableBallJoints/adjustableballjoints.htm

 

xjtrailrider

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Member

Location

Roanoke VA

• Apr 21, 2008

• #4

I use 2 ballpen hammers. put the "ball" of one on the small flat spot at the top of the knuckle, strike the hammer with another much larger hammer or mini sledge. Takes about 4 whacks most of the time. This is normal, they should not just fall off.

 

R

RAVC1

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Michigan

• Apr 21, 2008

• #5

Guys,

Thanks for the speedy responses! The referral websites were excellent. I know of Stu's & MADXJ's sites but apparently I do not read them enough...

The location called out in both sites is where I've been striking the knuckle but no luck. That little shelf is an obvious location. It's too late to try this now but I'll continue with what I was doing first thing in the morning.

Thanks again,

Rick

 

Tim_MN

Freakish Hand Strength

NAXJA Member

Location

Minneapolis, MN

• Apr 21, 2008

• #6

Use the two hammer method on the MadXJ page. It may take a good bit of pounding.

 

rag

NAXJA Forum User

Location

central NJ

• Apr 21, 2008

• #7

after about 10 minutes, one 8lb sledge KIA, too many 12lb deadblow ballpeen hammer blows and one pair of safety glasses later one of the two knuckles fell off.

my friend's came off in about 3 solid blows of a 5lb sledge

keep swinging and use proper protection!