Tip to connect Control Arm ball joint to steering knuckle?

[Toran]

Hello All,

Easily removed a Control Arm.
Now need help connecting Control Arm ball joint to steering knuckle?
I just cannot seem to get the ball joint to mount into the steering knuckle.

Should this be the last connection made to the Control Arm?

T.I.A.
Toran

[Slam]

Usually I line up the pin on the balljoint with the knuckle and carefullt jack the control arm while kinda working the strut back and forth to help things line up. Helps to have the balljoint pin set at the right angle too. It should go without too much persuasion though.

And it is usually my last step when putting the control arms back in.

[Toran]

Thanks for the response Slam.
So lining up the ball joint with the knuckle is the last step?

When jacking up the control arm, should the jack be near the ball joint or somewhere in the middle?

[Techno Duck]

Use a small chisel to spread apart the pinch. The ball joint pin will slide right in.

[Toran]

Thanks Techno Duck,
Auhh... so spread apart the pinch, and I 'll be good to go?
Will I still need to jack up the control arm to get the ball joint seated inside the pinch?

Thanks

[Slam]

Good tip from TechnoDuck - one that I forgot. You don't necessarily need a jack but it frees up both hands. You can jack the arm anywhere, as you're not really putting a strain on it. You only need to seat the pin properly so you can get the pinch bolt in.

[Toran]

THANK YOU ALL!
Great advice again, got it seated and the control arm install is complete.

Just curious, was wondering if there was an actual pinch open tool?

Thanks again!

[Slam]

Cold chisel + BFH.

Glad you got it!

[Toran]

BFH...big fat hammer?

[Slam]

Fat... Yeah, that's it.

[Toran]

I was a little slow on the roll when I say BFH, but know I see the light!
LOL