Anyone in Socal have a ball joint tool I can rent/borrow

5:04 · 06-01-2011, 09:48 AM

like the title says I'm going to do my ball joints, and seeing as I'll probably never use this tool again I'd rather not spend $55 on a socket. If anyone in socal has one that I can rent for the weekend I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

DW SD · 10:17 AM

where are you located? I'm in north San Diego county. You could borrow mine. Maybe someone is closer to you? I bet there are 100s of these tools in the area.

Given my current family and work schedule, I won't have time to go and ship it to you.

Doug

5:04 · 06-01-2011, 10:13 AM

I guess that is vital information! I'm in Upland. That you very much for the offer, and I wouldn't want to bother you with shipping it.

DW SD · 06-01-2011, 10:18 AM

Hey, you bet. A convenient one will surface, I'm sure.

Good luck,

Doug

rusnak · 06-01-2011, 10:23 AM

Mine is the kind that fits under the ball joint boot, so it does not tear the rubber. Works fantastic each time. I can Priority Mail it to you, let me know.

DW SD · 06-01-2011, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rusnak

Mine is the kind that fits under the ball joint boot, so it does not tear the rubber. Works fantastic each time. I can Priority Mail it to you, let me know.

Most of these are the type of socket that fit from the bottom and lock into the round castleated nut (where the protective rubber boot for the ball joint is on the top). The way you describe it almost makes me think you are thinking about a tie-rod end tool?

Hope this is helpful and not critical.

Doug

rusnak · 06-01-2011, 12:10 PM

You're right! I was eating lunch and had to come back to correct myself.

I also have a balljoint socket. But unless you have the factory tool, you're likely to damage it on nut removal. Use a pipe wrench to remove the balljoint nut and the fancy expensive balljoint socket to tighten it to spec. Or just use the pipe wrench to tighten it too. What happens is that dirt gets into the threads, and makes removal difficult. Easier to do this on the car.

Cdnone1 · 06-01-2011, 12:16 PM

Did you try Pep Boys or a local parts store? The Pep Boys up the street from me will lend one out for free
Steve

kidrock · 06-01-2011, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cdnone1

Did you try Pep Boys or a local parts store? The Pep Boys up the street from me will lend one out for free
Steve

+1, just about every FLAPS will let you borrow these tools for free.

DW SD · 06-01-2011, 07:58 PM

I wouldn't have thought they'd have the Porsche specific ball joint tool? It is different from the tie rod end puller.

You guys sure they have one of these?

Doug

r_towle · 06-01-2011, 08:15 PM

Not sure what year car you are trying to work on, but the large nut on the bottom can be removed with a pipe wrench, and the small bolt is then removed....pull it out be hand.

Rich

5:04 · 06-02-2011, 01:16 PM

I didn't expect autozone or pepboys to have one, but I'll check and if they let me borrow one then that will fix my problem. I figured a pipe wrench would work, but if someone local had one I would rather use the proper tool.

Rusnak, thanks for the offer. I am replacing the tie rods but I think I have that tool lol.

rusnak · 06-02-2011, 01:24 PM

My fancy balljoint tool (Sir Tools from Pelican) absolutely got wrecked first time I used it. I was removing the balljoint nut. That's why I say word to the wise- use some PB Blaster, a long pipe wrench and a metal fencepost, place one foot against the fenderwell, and go. It'll be off in a flash, and the nut will sustain no damage whatsoever. Been there done that. The balljoint socket is still good to tighten though, and if you're going to use it on a torque wrench, great.

5:04 · 06-03-2011, 09:14 AM

ok, if I don't have a ball joint tool by tomorrow I may just try it with a pipe wrench. Can I tighten it with a pipe wrench too without causing damage? I know I won't be spot on with torque.

DRACO A5OG · DRACO A5OG's Garage

When TRE took mine off they did not use a torque wrench on the new one. Just an impact wrench.

You should be fine if you use the same amount of force to put the new one on, it may chew up a bit if it slips but I think Runsak can chime in since it is his technique.

Go to FLAP and see if they have a 4x4 hub remover socket/tool the same ID.

rusnak · 06-03-2011, 09:17 PM

When I removed the balljoint nuts, it took quite a lot of force to remove them, which is why the tool was destroyed.

Some guys cut them off, others hammer them off. The large pipe wrench removed them with absolutely NO damage at all. I re-used the old nuts. It is the safest and kindest to the metal way to do it unless you have the factory tool.

Of course, wire brush the threads and apply anti-seize paste.

88911coupe · 10-15-2011, 07:54 AM

so could you just take the removed nut and go to a flaps to make sure you have the right one? Dont want to blow $55 on one more tool I'll end up using ONCE.

r_towle · 10-15-2011, 01:27 PM

Pipe wrench is the right tool