Front knuckle bal joints tips?

[turboguzzi]

My 05 forester started doing clicks and clacks in the front suspension over low speed bumps, seems like its time for suspension ball joints. no fee play in the steering ones. 

Received already my skf joints, but before trying to install and getting stuck, some questions:

1. does my fork tool look like the right size and shape?

2.how bad is freeing the tapers on these? Car has no rust but the joints where never changed in 20 years..

3.any other tips in terms of work steps?

tnxs!

Edited Wednesday at 06:55 PM by turboguzzi

[nvu]

The tapers should be easy.  Your fork looks a bit big, it might rip the old rubber but it should work.

The pinch bolt on the knuckle that sometimes get so corroded it snaps in two.  Inspect and be careful.

Unlink the antiroll bar to make it easier to push down on the lower control arm.

[lmdew]

Big hammer on the front and rear of the lower arm.  Hit it hard and the taper will release.  I never used a fork, cause I don't have one.

 

[montana tom]

Just so you know – popping it free from the knuckle won't be your problem.

As mentioned, the pinch bolt is often seized and can shear off, you will need to drill that out if it happens.

Use a longer replacement bolt with a lock washer and nut.

The real issue will be getting the joint to release after the pinch bolt is removed.

They sell an expensive tool to pull them out, however, with some steel pipe fittings and a welder, you can make your own for under ten bucks.