Ball joint service: Insights and replacement tips for vehicle applications

The “scissors” or “pivot jaw” type ball joint separator features two forged halves that share a common pivot point. A cupped-out seat engages on the opposite side of the joint from the stud and the driver side of the tool jaw engages the stud tip. As the captive threaded bolt at the opposite end of the tool is tightened, the jaws that capture the joint compress, popping the interference-fit joint out of its home.

The tip of the adjuster bolt features a ball bearing to prevent the stud from digging into the tool’s drive end as the bolt is rotated. The pivot point features two pivot positions (pop the pivot pin out, adjust for a tighter or wider jaw distance and reinsert the pin into the appropriate pivot hole).

The tool is adjustable to accommodate up to a two-inch spread for different size ball joints. This handy style joint separator can be used on various styles of ball joints as well as certain styles of outer tie rod ends.

Using compressive force as opposed to impact force allows a controlled separation, reducing the chance of damaging adjacent surfaces.

This style of tool requires no hydraulic assistance, and it’s a handy item to keep in your arsenal of suspension specialty tools.

If you want to learn more about ball joint separator, via www.autotoolsdepot.com or info@autotoolsdepot.com.