How to Press Out a Truck's Lower Ball Joint

Knowing how to properly press out a lower ball joint is vital to the replacement process of the upper and lower ball joints of a truck. Take great care and patience in performing these tasks in order to ensure proper safety and maintenance of your vehicle.

Instructions

1

Place a driving cup for the press against the top of the lower ball joint. Put the press around the ball joint and tighten down until it is flush against the driving cup. Notice the top of the press has a hexagon shape, which will either be 7/8ths or 13/15ths.

2

Find the appropriate socket and attach it to a half inch ratchet. Place this on top of the drill press. Tighten the drill press, pushing the lower ball joint out of the control arm. This will be difficult, so you may need to use a cheater pipe.

3

Use a piece of pipe placed over the handle of the ratchet to add leverage and strength to the press as you tighten it. If you need another pair of hands, don't be afraid to ask for help. There could be a significant amount of rust and corrosion holding the ball joint in place.

4

Listen for a loud pop or other noise, which will indicate the ball joint is moving out of the control arm. This is the sound of the rust and corrosion breaking free. Once the ball joint has released, loosen the press and take the driving cup off the top of the ball joint. Use the screw on the press to pop the ball joint completely out.