Hi all. I am having a problem. I need to replace my front ball joints on my '89 jetta. I can get all the bolts out, unfortunatly, the top of the ball joint is stuck in the wheel mount. I've loosened the clamp that holds it and got on there with a pry bar, nothing. The damn thing won't budge. Any suggestions before I take it to the shop and let them do it?

 

Get a bigger hammer..LOL..no, no. I'm pretty sure they make some sort of special tool for that, according to my roomate. I dunno, they've always just slid out for me, had to use a hammer some of the time but for the most part they should come right out. I would try hitting it somewhere you won't damage anything, maybe another member has a better idea.

 

i usually do this in my Volkswagen ball joints.... With tie rod ends I usually belt the side of the steering arm or drag link from the side until it falls out. Ball joints can be a bit more tricky, maybe if you have another castle nut just leave the nut on the top of the thread (so that the end of the thread is below the belting surface) and then whack it good and hard until it gives? Or try the same as I do with tie rod ends, whacking the side of the steering arm. Cast iron parts are stronger than precision suspension parts, especially when hit with large hammers.
If this still doesn't work, get hold of a ball joint puller/fork thingy.