tim_ber

So the bearing on the front of my Escort (1997) needs replacing.

Got everything loose except the bottom ball joint that goes into the base of the hub. (From the spindle carrier I think it is called)

I was told that you simply get a great long pry bar and pry it down.

Well, I've bust a gut doing that. 3 hours later I'm just filthy and bleeding.

I pulled the hub off a little way with a puller to see if that would help, but there must be a knack I'm missing. Is there?

It can't be that difficult surely?

Thanks in advance, I've got a day off work tomorrow luckily, so I can start in daylight and sit down for some dinner now.
Cheers
Tim

Rax

iTrader: (1)

Pics ?
failing that whack it with a hammer too shock it loose.Thats if I have read it right.Dont bash the ball joint,bash where it goes into.

Cozziekid

You have taken the pinch bolt out completely, right? Wont come out otherwise. I use a long extension bar, slide it down the back of the hub onto the bottom arm where the balljoint bolts are and give it a few whacks with a hammer, if it gets stuck, hit the balljoint back into the hub from underneath and try again. It comes out eventually, just a pig sometimes.

tim_ber

spunk122

I use a 6th pry bar and knock the wishbone down with a lump hammer at the same time, but you need the hub still bolted to the shocker!

spunk122

# 6ft #

strawhead_rst

if all that fails try a ball joint seperator fork

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...0151&langId=-1

IANS2RST

iTrader: (1)

hit a chisel into slot to open the hole up a little where the ball joint goes into. as u use the pry bay to lever the bottom arm down push the hub back toward the centre of the car. when u just pry it down the ball joint doesn't come down straight & will just stick

tim_ber

You hit the nail on the head.

That is exactly what was happening. Got it out 10mm and the rest stuck.

I used a jack at an angle to push hub in as you say and it almost fell out.

Cheers for the help guys.
Safe driving