Changing ball joints...need help

[97splorer]

I am trying to change out the upper control arms on my X. I cant get the ball joint out of the steering knuckle. There are only 3 bolts right? I have the top two still in and the pin that holds the joint into the knuckle out. I was thinking it would swivle up out of the knuckle and then I take the 2 top bolts out. Sorry to sound stupid but this is my first go round with this.

Also, the new passenger side control arm is only 1 piece, andvthe old is two pieces, is that right?

 

[Hartman]

Once you have the pinch bolt out, swing away at the control arm from the bottom with a hammer until it pops out of the spindle.

 

[boominXplorer]

Also, the new passenger side control arm is only 1 piece, andvthe old is two pieces, is that right?

Yep

Yeah it takes alot of wacking to get that to get the upper control arm out of the spindle. i found it easier to take the camber adjusters/bolts out and let the are hang by the ball joint. Then hit it from many different angles to you can get it to pop out. If you look in the hole for the pinch bolt you can see if it has moved up.

 

[97splorer]

I had to give up for the night Because both of my neighbors have small kids sleeping, so I'll wack the crap out of it tomorrow. Do I have to hit the new one to get it in, or will it go in easier?

 

[boominXplorer]

it will slide in. It will need a little tappign but nothing like what yoiur going to have to do to get your old one out

 

[explorer4x493]

So is jacking up the wheel and rocking the wheel from top to bottom the only way to tell which ball joint is bad (upper or lower)?