what kind on tool do i need to remove and press the control arm ball joints. i like to buy one to do it myself. store and part number to buy it would be great. thanks

 

Elmo, you need a tool that is called a "ball joint press". Are you ready to spend about $100 on the tool? Especially when you are only going to use it maybe once every 4-5 years and you can normally rent it for free through the local auto parts store (Advance, Autozone, Checkers, Napa, etc all have programs like this, just have to put down an initial security deposit).

What the tool normally looks like is a very heavy duty C-clamp. Then you have some spacer tubes and a few push plates. You then have to assemble the right group of tubes and push plates for your application. It isn't as hard as it may sound. From there, you use a large wrench and you can apply the necessary force to remove or install the ball joint. There should be instructions that come with the tool to explain this in more detail. I know the larger auto parts stores will have these kits on the shelves for you to buy.

You can try looking on e-bay, but most of the cheaper kits (which can be obtained for as little as $30 plus S&H) are meant for a very select application and may not contain the necessary attachments for your application. So, before you buy, do some research. As a general rule, the more tubes and push plates you get with the kit, more likely it will work for your application and will also be more adaptable for when you need to use it on another vehicle.

 

thanks thermo