'04 explorer upper ball joint stuck

[hwoolfolk]

I have a 2004 explorer that I want to replace the front CV Shaft. To do this I need to separate the upper ball joint but it is stuck. Should I just pound it out? Any suggestions?

Ill try and find a pic...

Thanks

 

[jrford]

that bolt has to come first, there is a safety grove on it preventing it from dropping out without the nut (if you haven't already).

 

[hwoolfolk]

What do you mean??? look at the sticky... "How To: Replacing Upper Ball Joints on a 3rd Gen 4x4 [Pictures] " picture #2. That is the spot I can not remove to make room so I can pull the CV Shaft. I had it apart trying to get that apart only to have to put it back because I couldnt.

Thanks

(sorry, cant post a pic or a link... work blocks my access)

 

[jrford]

sorry, i was thinking rear. For that one couple of ways to go, 1-put the nut back on so you don't mess the threads, soak the whole joint with PB blaster, couple of good hits with BFH and it should pop out, 2-pickle fork, 3- the make a ball joint separator or called a "tie-rod separator" (google that one for pics). hopefully that helps.

 

[p71]

A 2-jaw puller worked well for me. Unscrew the nut so it is just beyond flush with the bottom tip of the threaded portion of the ball joint and attach the jaws to the knuckle and center the screw on the tip of the ball joint (that's why the nut should be a little beyond flush). This way you are actually pushing the ball joint out of the knuckle with the "puller."

 

[hwoolfolk]

I got it apart... heat from a propane torch and a couple of hits with a 4lb mini sledge and it came right apart!

I replaced the half shaft... didnt fix my hum... my vibration.

I think I have another thread ... Im gonna post there and beg for people to give me ideas why my car vibrates! I will list all that I have done.

Thanks for your help.