How to remove upper control arm from spindle?

What would be the best way to remove the spindle from the upper control arm? I’ve given a few wacks with a hammer and digging bar but it just won’t budge.

 

I've used a floor jack and a nice 2x4 wedged underneath the UCA to pop it up. YMMV but that's before I bought proper tools.

 

A pickle fork will pop it right off. Good luck.

 

Go rent a ball joint remover from autozone it’s free just leave a deposit

 

Rubber mallet. Wack it from underneath.

 

$20 at autozone balljoint seperator takes 1 minute to remove. I love mine for the rare occasion

 

I tried all of the above suggestions with no luck. This is what I used

 

If you don't care about that ball joint then use a pickle fork and a small sledge. Whack that thing hard, it has to go all the way in and it will separate. It will destroy the ball joint.

 

you need a bigger hammer

 

BFH

 

The darn thing just refuses to budge

 

I can see your hammer marks. You’re hitting the actual ball joint. You need to hit the uca where the bolt is. That’ll bust up the corrosion in there and shake it loose. Good luck don’t bend your control arm lol

 

Flip the fork, you want flat side down and keep at it. It will come free. You have to drive that thing all the way in (thats what she said).

 

I was in a similar situation last year. I ended up using my Sawzall and cutting through the BJ bolt. Then punching the remaining piece back out of the Control Arm went fairly quickly. It just wouldn't come out of the UCA

 

A 3lbs sledge helps a lot here. Also it might help to smear a bit of grease on the contacting surface of the pickle fork. It will work though, guaranteed.

 

I would try going back and forth. Use a large deep socket that will fit over the stud on the UCA, and with the fork out and some penetrating oil, give it a few good whacks. Then use the fork and repeat the process. Good luck.

 

The part that really sucks is getting the c clip out once the arm is off.

 

I hope the

theres a worse part then this part?! I think my truck wants to stay original at this point lmao

 

Pressing the joint out can be tough by yourself too but stay at it. You can do it.

 

Pry with the pickle fork and smack the control arm near the ball joint with a heavy hammer/mini sledge; at the same time. This shocks the tapered sleeve loose and is the 'proper' way to use the pickle fork.

 

I remember when attempting this job I bought a cheap pickle fork and pried so hard it bent. The upper ball joints are a bitch on this truck, especially with the tool from Advance that doesn't really fit the wheel well. I'm confident you'll get this eventually. Just take a break when you get frustrated.

 

I have given up for the day and will try again tomorrow with a bigger hammer. I also have to get another mallet now too lol.

 

I actually might get a shop to do it for me at this point though. I don’t wanna cause more damage than I already have.

does it look okay to drive with still ​

 

Torch time

 

Send me a plane ticket and I'll knock that thing out.

 

You need the small ball joint press to push that thing out at this point. You can get a no cost loaner from most parts stores.

 

I'm sure there is a perfect meme to place here.
All I can say is.... stop.. save your time and money take it to a qualified shop.
Don't want to have to replace anything else that you don't have to.

 

Are you using a ball peen hammer? Mighty small dings in that ball joint bucket. Need a 3-5# sledge

 

It's time for a torch, a press and a pro

 

I’m gonna give it one more wack tomorrow if it doesn’t say uncle I’ll take it to a shop next lol