Stubborn ball joints

[Randy Bograd]

Is there some secret to removing Amphicar ball joints, in particular, the
outer joints? Over the past week I have severely deformed my ball joint
splitter trying to get them to release. I've tried heat and now I'm
trying PB, some type of super juice. No luck. I hope it's something
embarassingly simple.

Thanks,
Randy in Gaithersburg, MD
67 getting ready for the sandblaster.

 

[Ken Chambers]

Randy,

A couple of tricks that have always worked for me: While the ball joint
removal tool is applying considerable pressure, apply instant heat to
the socket area of the arm. Use a welding torch, propane isn't nearly
hot enough. The idea is to get the socket to heat up faster than the
ball joint tapered shaft. That expands the outer metal faster than the
shaft. Be careful not to apply too much heat. You don't want to get it
anywhere near glowing. If it doesn't work the first time, let it all
cool down and repeat several times.

Another trick to try, especially if you don't have a welding torch, is
this. Again, while the ball joint tool is applying considerable
pressure, back up the arm with the biggest sledge hammer, splitting maul
or steel mass you can find. Then with another fairly big hammer (like a
5 pound sledge), wallop the joint area in an attempt to slightly (and
temporarily) deform it enough to pop the tapped shaft loose.

Good luck.

Ken Chambers
'64 Amphi


> Is there some secret to removing Amphicar ball joints, in particular, the
> outer joints? Over the past week I have severely deformed my ball joint
> splitter trying to get them to release. I've tried heat and now I'm
> trying PB, some type of super juice. No luck. I hope it's something
> embarassingly simple.