Harbor Freight Tool

Has anyone used this ball joint removal tool with success. I purchased it on sale with coupon for $59.00 and some change.
Ball Joint Service Kit for 2WD and 4WD Vehicles



Maddox- Item#63279

 

My friend bought one to replace the ball joints on their f-150, the first time we used it, it bent and wouldn't remove the ball joints.

 

I've heard relatively good things about them (relative to their price). Most of the harbor freight stuff I consider "1 time use", and if it lasts more than that, it's a bonus.

If it doesn't work, you can always rent a much higher quality tool from an AutoZone/O-Reily's for free.

 

Great for pressing out bushings! Used a similar one off Amazon to do steering rack bushings.

 

I would've just rented a free one from an auto parts store. I've heard HF cast iron stuff can be shitty, and this is coming from a HF lover

This is an advanced auto one doing work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_JhoRVU1-w

 

I saw that but following @Timmah! video I got OTC that was on sale on Amazon. Made the easiest ball joint work ever.

 

should work fine, buy it and give it a try. You have 90 days to return.

 

Agreed

 

I've replaced the LBJs on both my 95 trucks within the last month. I used plain old separator fork and the following method:

remove tire/wheel
separate the outer tie rod from LBJ
roll floor jack under the hub and apply lift with a wood block between the jack and the hub; this compresses the coil spring a bit
heat the spindle socket around the LBJ with a torch; you may get a little flame/burnt rubber from the joint but no need to go crazy with the heat
two or three medium force wacks with the separator and the down force from the coil spring will pop out the ball joint



Not seen any problems with this method. Of course this destroys the old joint, so it is only for use when replacing them.

 

^^^^^ This. Just rent it for free from O'Rileys or something. You have to put a deposit down and then you can just return it after you use it. I'm sure that it will be better quality than Harbor Freight.