Upper Balljoint popped out...

Hey everyone,

Last night, I was driving the truck and the UBJ popped out after I hit a massive bump in the road... The ball itself popped out of the joint, It did not come out of the UCA. I do not know where to go from here because it is going to be nearly impossible to get the knuckle out of the upper control arm... Can't just use a hammer to tap it out because there is no tension pulling on it.

Any suggestions?

 

Pop the snap ring, and the lower piece can still be removed with a ball joint press, the upper part can too, but an air hammer will pop the upper part easily

 

Ball joint press.
HF tools sells a decent set cheap, it’s like a giant c clamp. Or if you’re desperate, cut the ball, remove c clip, use a metal sleeve above the ball joint (bigger than ball joint) and press it out with a clamp. It won’t be easy but I’ve done it. Then just reverse the concept and pull the new ball joint in. The press is the easiest though. Cheap and effective.

 

Looks like I'm going to harbor freight bright and early tomorrow!

 

This is all you need:

 

http://www.bajataco.com/tech/control_arms_03.html

 

Very good write up.

 

Verrrry helpful. Again will definitely be stopping at HF tomorrow morning for some goodies

 

10 years as an auto mechanic and I’ve never seen a ball joint done with a three jaw, very interesting write up.

 

I don’t think it would work out here with rust, but indeed.. interesting

 

This video will help you out.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/-sY2azyLBuI

 

I think a 2 jaw will be better and easier.

 

That third jaw might be beneficial as it would go in front of behind the control arm bend and the other two to the outsides, better stability to drive that sucker out. Again, cool concept, but how strong will it hold to the arm with those tiny “teeth” on the puller

 

Wow !!
That ball joint is worn bad . All those pitts in the joint didnt happen overnight
Judging by the condition of the ball joint in the picture , I think it would be safe to say you should consider changing all 4 at this point . They are probably in the same condition . I would hate to see you get back in the drivers seat and have another one let go while you are rolling down the interstate

 

That’s the plan! Luckily I was less than a mile from home so I limped it back. First gear the entire way with the hazards on haha.

 

Sucks, how was it when it happened? Could you still drive the truck? I worry about this when out on shitty washboard roads in the middle of know where!

 

It was absolutely terrifying... Hit a bump in the road and the truck suddenly started pulling right. Again I wasnt far from home so I limped it back and made it fine.

 

Glad you got it home safe and no injuries!

 

Yessir. Glad I wasn't on the highway!

 

worked for me, just need a stout pry bar between the new ball joint and the puller for installation