+ + Need Help with separating the UCA from Spindle during install + +

I'm in the processes of upgrading a few suspension parts and I'm having an issue with getting the uca off of the factory spindle. I decided to take the whole uca and spindle off as I was changing out the coilovers. I wanted to keep my factory spindle and replace the uca. I'm having a hard time getting them to separate from one another as they're in a binding attachment of love. I've tried a rubber mallet and can't seem to dislodge either side.

Doesn't anyone have any pointers in assisting me break up the happy couple? I hate to be a home wrecker but I need them apart a-sap.

Thanks in ahead of time as my truck sits on jack stands.

 

Ball peen or regular hammer. A few good "man sized" whacks and they will pop right off.

Even specified in Total chaos' install video.

 

I tried with a rubber mallet and it's not coming apart. =(

 

Dont hammer it, you'll mushroom the balljoint threading.

You need a ball joint separator. Install and tighten it down to where it's putting a good deal of pressure on the ball joint. If it doesn't budge, hit the knuckle of the spindle with a hammer. Last resort, a little heat on the knuckle while maintaining pressure will pop it out.

 

Should be able to rent a kit like this from an autoparts store:

https://www.amazon.com/Ambienceo-Re...ocphy=1014895&hvtargid=pla-782058730272&psc=1

 

mallet is not a hammer. Get a real hammer.

Yes, hit the SPINDLE, not the UCA in case that wasn't clear. Don't waste your time on a bj separator. just whack the spindle a few times and it'll come free easy peasy.

 

Big hammer (BFH). You may also have to cut the and replace with new.

 

No. Ball joint separator will do the job just fine. Dont cut and dont hammer the ball joint.

 

I find the hammer the shit out of the spindle the best working method. Never hammer the balljoint itself!

 

dude hopefully has a hammer, very likely not a ball joint separator.

As long as you hammer the spindle and not the ball joint / uca itself, it will be totally fine.

 

This. A ball joint separator or a brave friend and a pickle fork to put pressure on the ball joint are advisable. Heat on the knuckle helps too.

 

Gotcha! Thanks guys and will this work if I already have the UCA and Spindle off the truck already? They're just sitting on my garage floor spooning one another. I'll wack the spindle as soon as I get him from work.

Looks like I've got a date tonight and I can't wait to unleash my hammer! I'll use a real hammer and not a mallet.

 

BFH works for this guy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9unAkpfd5zA

 

Thanks guys. . . I should've tried it before removing the uca and spindle off the truck at the same time.

 

the hammer method is best when it is still on the truck, since the lower arm and hub assembly heft will pull them apart. If they are off the truck, a pickle fork and a large hammer

 

Hammer method is what I always do. Smack the spindle right next to where the UCA ball joint goes in. I use my 3lb hammer, and don’t be afraid to smack the fuck outta it.

Or since you’re putting on aftermarket UCAs, and don’t plan on keeping or selling the stock ones, by all means hammer on the ball joint.

 

When you use a hammer you do not hit the ball joint, the threaded stud of ball joint. Use the hammer on the spindle adjacent to the stud, hit it perpendicular to the stud. If you use a ball joint separator you will destroy the boot and may still need to use the hammer technique.

 

The issue is he took them off the truck before he tried to hammer them.

 

^ Bingo, I got ahead of myself last night after a few beers and thought it would be easier to do it after removing everything. I found out the hard way and I can admit, I was wrong.

The oem upper arms are toast and I'm planning to throw them away. So I believe they're holding on dear life as they know their destiny.

 

Wonder if OP has any friends handy. Play tug of war while smacking on the spindle outta separate it.

Or just lay the spindle flat on some wood so as not to damage it, and smack the ball joint there.