Upper ball joint removal ?

Getting ready to do some front end work on my 2006 with 270,000 miles on it. Can't seem to find the right ball joint press set up from the local parts stores. Was curious what others have figured out. The auto parts guys say to use a big hammer to knock it out, not real thrilled with that idea. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

 

I just use a mini sledge or regular sledge. Just did it to my 2019...used a full size sledge. Loosen the nut down but dont take it off, then smack the side of the spindle. Should be a flat spot on the spindle by the ball joint. Some times I'll have someone hold a flat piece of metal to give me more of a hitting spot.

 

Or buy a ball joint separator...this was from advanced auto parts for $12. I have one of these too but the sledge is funner

 

My 2006 upper ball joint is pressed in the steering knuckle. Pressing it out is the problem.

 

Mine was too. Took a couple smacks with the ole BMFH and she popped right out. I used the BMFH on my upper ball joints, tierods, and axles. Always used a BMFH on all my vehicles

 

The press from Advance will work, that's what I used on my 04. I had to use a combination of different adapters in the kit but it worked.

 

I used an Oreilly Auto rented press. it was a pain in the rear because it didn't fit right, but I kept trying and made it work.

 

Rent the press from autozone or whatever the store is in your area. Spray around where the joint pressed in with penetrating oil before hand. It's really in there so it will take a lot of force to get out and it's hard to get the press tool into place and get leverage.

I would disconnect the sway bar on both sides to get a little more droop, and if that's not enough unbolt the lower shock and support the lower arm with a jack. When I pulled mine I used the adapter from Total Chaos, it was maybe $15 but it worked perfect to press out the joints.

 

Finally did my upper ball joints, rented a press and couldn't get the right setup with the sockets that came with the press so I pressed it out directly on the spindle of the BJ. Came out pretty easy with some PB blaster and a cordless impact. Also did the lower BJ and upper and lower control arms and Tie rod ends. Drives great.