Lower balljoint removal

[readie]

Hello

I am mid way throught changing my ball joints on the Clio after one side would not release its pinch bolt( sorted with google and some heat)

It will now not release the joint itself from the hub what I want to know is what ball joint separator is the best to use? I was thinking it will have to be the fork shaped one? This one:http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_216891_langId_-1_categoryId_255216

Or is there a better one to use?

 

[MWright]

The fork one did the job for me, soaked the joint in wd-40 night before.

 

[1812lsd]

Make sure both front wheels are off the ground, I didn't when I did mine. I was new to Clio Sports plus only ever working on the old Minis, I didn't realise that the front anti roll bar would push the bottom arm into the bottom of the outboard driveshaft gaiter & pop the driveshaft (Passenger Side) out of the gearbox releasing the gear oil all over the drive.

Lesson learned, I won't be making that mistake again in a hurry.

 

[Gandi69]

Make sure both front wheels are off the ground, I didn't when I did mine. I was new to Clio Sports plus only ever working on the old Minis, I didn't realise that the front anti roll bar would push the bottom arm into the bottom of the outboard driveshaft gaiter & pop the driveshaft (Passenger Side) out of the gearbox releasing the gear oil all over the drive.

Lesson learned, I won't be making that mistake again in a hurry.

Or rip the gaitor on the shaft too. Pain in the arse!

Anyway OP cant you waggle it out or tap it free after taking the two 12mm bolts out?

 

[Rob]

Fork shaped one is fine, just be brutal with it.

 

[readie]

Got the balljoint removal tool this morning with the tool it took about ten mins to remove both so much easier with the tool I should of had it all along!

 

[Budgie]

Tool not always needed.

Put pressure on the wishbone pushing it down (i use a breaker bar levered against something solid (gearbox or chassis normally)) and hit the ball joint from above with a hammer and bolster.

 

[readie]

Do u remove the shaft before as access to the top or the balljoint is very tight?

 

[Gandi69]

Tool not always needed.

Put pressure on the wishbone pushing it down (i use a breaker bar levered against something solid (gearbox or chassis normally)) and hit the ball joint from above with a hammer and bolster.

This. Just make sure you jam something between the wishbone

 

[Rob]

Leave the shaft in, spanner on the top 19's, ratchet on the underneath.

Once those are off the balljoint should be loose bar pinch bolt.

Undo that, get your tool on it and smash the crap out of it.

 

[Budgie]

They're 18's. (; xx

 

[Rob]

Indeed they are, was thinking of the hub bolts

 

[Budgie]

They're 21's? x

 

[Rob]

Do f**k off, something under there is 19 I'm sure.... Or maybe I made it up?

 

[Budgie]

Everyday's a school day. xx

Shock to hub - 21mm.
Ball joint lowers - 18mm.
Ball joint pinch bolt - 16mm.
Brake calipers- 18mm (i think?)
ARB bush bracket - 13mm.
TRE nut - 16mm?
Front driveshaft nut - 32mm. RR is 30mm.
Wishbone bolts/nuts - 18mm.

 

[Rob]

Correct on the TRE, what a little prick that is.

18's on the back of the brakes, 13's and a 17's on the sliders?