Ball Joint Splitter = Necessary?

[EngineerD]

Going to be doing both ball joints in a few days and wondering if a ball joint splitter is necessary or should I be fine with a long fat screwdriver?

 

[Dan1587]

I picked one up for £6 at my local tool zone store, not the best but but made the job so much easier.
Track rod ends on yours?

 

[Cup_Phil]

As above it's worth it for the little bit of cash they are

All you need is one of the fork style ones

 

[Dan1587]

I got a scissors one as if you don't have the replace it there is less chance of ruining the boot.

 

[EngineerD]

Cheers for the advice, I'll pick up one tomorrow.

 

[Cup_Phil]

I got a scissors one as if you don't have the replace it there is less chance of ruining the boot.

You can't use a scissors one on the ball joints - the top of the joint is inside the hub
You can use them on track rod ends but he's doing ball joints
For ball joints the fork style is easiest - just tap it in with a hammer and bobs your uncle

 

[EngineerD]

Track rod ends on yours?

Nope, lower ball joints, bad creaking!

 

[bmh.01]

The fork style ones are fine only if you are replacing the ball joint, as they will almost unvariably split the boot on the joint.

 

[andyc58]

Deff need one.i done my ball joints.i borrowed one feom my local garage

 

[welshname]

Laser Fork one, Halfords. Job done.

 

[phoenix1]

in ten years of owning my 172 excl never needed one , take the bolt out give it a squirt /drowning of wd or such like . then with a solid punch positioned verticaly down as close to the bj as you can .a sharp crack with a hammer off they come ,