Best Ball Joint & Tie Rod Tools in 2022

Last update: January 20, 2023

Can you do ball joints by yourself?

Yes, you can do ball joints by yourself. You will need a few tools, including a socket set, a torque wrench, and a ball joint press. You will also need to be familiar with your vehicle's suspension and how to safely work on it.

Can you do ball joints without a press?

No, you cannot do ball joints without a press. A press is necessary to remove and install the ball joint from the control arm.

Can you hammer in a ball joint?

A ball joint is a type of joint that allows movement in two directions. It is often used in car suspension systems and allows the suspension to move up and down while the wheels turn. Ball joints can be found in the front and rear suspension of most cars. Many cars have four ball joints - two in the front and two in the rear. You can hammer in a ball joint, but it is not recommended. Hitting a ball joint with a hammer can damage the joint and cause it to fail. If you must hammer in a ball joint, use a soft-faced hammer

Can you use the C clamp to press in a ball joint?

You can use the C clamp to press in a ball joint, but you will need to be very careful. The ball joint is very fragile and if you press it too hard, you could break it.


Orion Motor Tech 22PCS Master Ball Joint Press | Upper and Lower Ball Joint Removal Tool | Automotive Mechanic Tool Set Review:


I grew weary of renting the worn-out ball joint kits from the auto parts store that were consistently broken or missing pieces. When I can, I work on all of my vehicles, and I've utilized this kit on both a 2011 Silverado and a Honda Element. There have been some complaints about the lack of instructions. I agree that a handbook outlining which adapters to use for each car would be good, but I can only imagine how enormous such booklet would have to be. There are undoubtedly enough adapters included to come up with the ideal setup. Just combine various elements till you find what works. Perhaps not of high enough quality for a repair shop, but ideal for the occasional home mechanic.



ABN Ball Joint Press Tool Set - 10Pc Ball Joint Remover Tool Ball Joint Press Kit Service Tool Kit with Adapters Review:


To replace the lower ball joints on my 2002 Ford Ranger, I purchased this item on Amazon. There are no instructions included with this kit, but after watching a few YouTube videos, I had no trouble taking the old joints out and replacing them. The left ball joint and upper control arm were completed in just under two hours, whereas the right side was finished in just one. Well, practice does make perfect!Pros... I liked that the "C" clamp was constructed of steel rather than aluminum as some are. The clamp's polish was excellent, and there were no harsh edges on the attachments.Cons: The press screw's fit was a little slack and occasionally bind up. Got some lithium grease and took care of that. and performed much better. The screw's end pin isn't very securely fastened. When in use, it tended to desire to escape.Overall, a fantastic tool for use at home and occasionally in a shop setting. On this tool, I wouldn't use an impact driver. I believe it would harm the C clamp's threads and/or prematurely wear out the pressing screw.I would repurchase this item!



Astro 7897 Ball Joint Service Tool Kit and Master Adapter Set Review:


Subject: Master Adapter Set and Ball Joint Service Tool Kit for Astro 78971999 Dodge Dakota SLT 4X4.The Astro 7865 Ball Joint Service Tool Kit with 4-wheel Drive Adapters was my initial plan of action. But before I did, I wanted to make sure it had everything I would need to take the ball joints out and put them back in. I don't need a tool that I assumed would function but doesn't!Will the Astro 7865 Ball Joint Service Tool be adequate to remove and install the ball joints on a 1999 Dodge Dakota SLT 4X4? is the query I addressed to the community on Amazon as well as to Astro.Astro quickly responds: 30-Jan-2017Hello RobertThe 7897 kit, according to my technician, would be what you require. Refer to the attachment.Thanks,The Customer Service of Nikki FisherTool Astro PneumaticAnswer from the Amazon groupIt certainly accomplishes the job well.Keep in mind that they try to eliminate any rust by soaking the parts in PB Blaster overnight. If the issue persists, heat the control arm but not the ball joint with a little Mapp Gas, and the joint will easily pop out.Right now, I have two completely different responses—one yes and one no.Ball Joint Service Tool Kit and Master Adapter Set, Astro 7897The very robust plastic package that held the 7897 Ball Joint Service Tool Kit and Master Adapter Set arrived just as promised, down to the color. I was astounded by each piece's quality and finish as soon as I started looking at a few of them. For the record, if anyone claims that the forged C-frame press has been bent or broken while used for its intended function, excluding an internal defect, let's just say something isn't right. The forged C-frame press alone weights between 7 and 8 pounds.Going forwardWhether or whether the 7865 Ball Joint Service Tool Kit is adequate to remove and reinstall the ball joints on a 1999 Dodge Dakota SLT 4X4 is simple to assess. I can determine which sleeve will enable the ball joint to fall through when it is withdrawn and which sleeve will rest against the flange diameter when it is installed by measuring the ball joint flange diameter. With this knowledge, I'll just compare it to the sleeves included with the 7897 Ball Joint Service Tool Kit and Master Adapter Set as well as the 7865 Ball Joint Service Tool Kit.Since I'll be using MOOG components, I've gotten in touch with them and requested the two crucial part diameters. If they don't respond, I'll get the components from Amazon and measure them myself.As of 20 February 2017, MOOG has not responded. Manufacturers want you to buy their items, but when you have a concern or need help, they hardly ever respond when you use their "Contact Us" link, which I find amazing.I've ordered the upper and lower ball joints from Amazon as I had anticipated.Pneumatic AstroNikki Fisher from Astro Pneumatic won the job after I tested the dimensions of the front end components and identified the necessary tubes, sleeves, and adapters.Nikki and the Astro team have been incredibly kind by giving me prompt, accurate answers to all of my questions.I was able to construct a type of cross reference with the assistance of Nikki Fisher and her support team to aid those who might be a little perplexed by the differences between the contents of the Astro 7865 kit and the more comprehensive Astro 7897 kit.



GEARWRENCH Universal Ball Joint Separator - 3916D Review:


I have intermittently worked with suspension for years. I almost always finish the task by swearing louder than a truck driver in traffic while sitting in a mound of rust chips with a sledgehammer and a tie rod fork. My dependable 2001 RAV-4 ultimately required some suspension adjustment, and the process was made much more enjoyable by the fact that it had a good 350,000 miles worth of wear and rust. I required a better answer.Introducing the GearWrench tool. Without difficulty, I ripped the brakes, rotor, and tire off. Then my archenemy appeared. end of the tie rod. I had to pound that sucker out in some way after spending a good half hour smashing the castle nut with an impact. I inhaled deeply and finger-tightened this brand-new device. All is well thus far. The magic happens right here, then. I attached a 1" socket to my impact and gave this device a few "ugga-duggas" before it SNAPped! With the fury of an Oklahoma thunderstorm, the tie rod snapped apart. Absolutely happy, I was. The exact same delightful pop resulted from doing the same on the other side.Then I noticed my lower ball joints because the first one had suddenly popped and was flying across the room, hitting my pinky finger as it did so. For three days, my finger swelled up and was bruised. I was overjoyed. I moved my hand out of the way and did the other lower ball joint once more. I have no idea where the ball joint went, but when I clean the garage, I'm sure it will reappear.This device truly is magical. Without it, don't replace another tie rod end or ball joint.



OEMTOOLS 25202 Ball Joint Separator Review:


I utilized it as soon as I got it today. works perfectly. Mine resounds like a tuning fork and is nowhere near gentle. One small sledge, one basic pickle fork, and no consideration for the rubber boot on the worn-out ball joint. It's a good life.Your pickle fork did it bend? If so, your method is flawed.This isn't a lever, crowbar, or pry bar. A chisel, that is. It's a chisel that has been heatedly hardened. A chisel can be bent by striking it sideways while trying to force the ball joint out of its high-friction tapered socket; however, it cannot be bent by striking it straight on. Put a pipe on it to get a leg up? It'll flex. Standing on it Sure: bend.Tool abuse is what it is when yours is bent. Similar to how a bent screwdriver is bent because you used it for a purpose it wasn't intended for This is pounded firmly inward. Only. All it does is that. If you don't know how to utilize a tool, don't blame the tool.



Heavy Duty Ball Joint Press & U Joint Removal Tool Kit with 4x4 Adapters, for Most 2WD and 4WD Cars and Light Trucks Review:


This low-cost press kit is really effective. It only got used to press u-joints out and in, but it did it without a hitch. With this tool, it took around 20 seconds to press out a u-joint.You will need to use an old socket (or similar tool) with this press to press that side of the joint back in if your u-joints have a zerk fitting on the end of one of the caps rather than in the body of the joint (like mine Tacoma). With this press, pressing the caps back together will be simple if they don't have zerk fittings. Ball joints must to be simple to understand. This was produced in China, and so far, so good.



OrionMotorTech Heavy Duty Ball Joint Press & U Joint Removal Tool Kit with 4wd Adapters, for Most 2WD and 4WD Cars and Light Trucks (BK) Review:


Up until now, I've only borrowed them from major auto parts retailers, which you can do for free as long as you make a purchase of any type. I made the decision to just buy my own tool because I have done a lot of front end work and will likely do more of it.This one is quite a deal smaller than the ones I've borrowed, so it requires fewer adapters. However, for my 2010 F150, it was sufficient and would have worked well for the remaining 20 or so jobs I had to complete in my lifetime. Given its sturdy construction and heavy-duty press, it ought to function effectively in the majority of applications. comes in a lovely, form-fitting casing, so you can easily identify any missing parts. If you intend to work on the front end a lot in the future, I would highly recommend this. But if you only need one, I suggest renting one.However, using one of them involves a few "tricks" that could be difficult for someone who is not used to removing and replacing ball joints. Here are some pointers if you're using one of them for the first time.For starters, these instruments are significantly more effective and designed for installing ball joints than for removing them. If you're using it to take out a ball joint, be careful to take off the snap ring (if there is one) and liberally apply penetrating oil to the joint. If possible, I advise doing this overnight before beginning the removal. Additionally, use a little yet powerful hammer first before using the tool to remove the ball joint. Brace the arm so that it is rigid and give it a couple strong whacks before spraying it once again. Don't worry about it because you won't damage the frame. Just make sure to strike the joint flat to avoid creating a dent close to the edge that could result in a hang up. If you do this a few times, you might be amazed to find that it comes out without your having to exert any pressure. By a large margin, I have hammered out more than I have pressed out. If nothing else, it will slightly loosen it up before you use the press.Whenever you tighten it down, if you do need to press it out, take a break and give it a few more whacks with the hammer. If it's really difficult to remove, you might need to use some heat on the frame rather than the ball joint. Again, heating it up won't do any harm, so do so thoroughly. Just be careful around any surrounding wires or rubber bushings. Apply the required pressure using a breaker bar and a socket, but no more. You could and probably will bend the tool if you need to use a pipe to make the bar longer so you can exert greater force. You must be persistent as you tighten, spray, heat, and whack with a hammer. It's going to lose.The challenging stage, where most novices fail, is installing the new ball joint. Apply a thin layer of grease after cleaning the hole with a wire brush. Using the design, determine what adapter combinations are required to install the ball joint. However, you should just require a breaker bar to exert the required pressure. Although unusual, it is possible for the ball joint to become cocked in the hole. The ball joint will essentially self-center if the tool is configured correctly because there is typically a tiny tapper. The replacement snap ring must then be installed.Hope this was somewhat helpful. There are also several You Tube tutorials on using the tool, albeit some of them are subpar, so bear that in mind. I've done this a lot of times.I wish you luck!



Orion Motor Tech 5PCS Ball Joint Separator Tie Rod End Remover Pitman Arm Puller Service Splitter Removal Tool Kit (BL) Review:


The pullers in the kit are housed in a lovely case to keep them orderly. Although I haven't used all of the pullers yet, they are all of the same high caliber. If you don't write "this side up" or an up arrow on the case, all the pullers will tumble out onto the flat inner cover when you open it. Keep each unit in its designated spot in the case. Why do I know that?The threads on the pullers are already lubricated, but you should still occasionally apply a little oil to the threads. Regards, Jeff D.



Orion Motor Tech Heavy Duty Ball Joint Press & U Joint Removal Tool Kit with 4x4 Adapters, for Most 2WD and 4WD Cars and Light Trucks (BL) Review:


Strong and well-built. Although I only need a few of the ball joint adapters to keep my higher mileage vehicles on the road because I got it for u-joints, it's still useful to have. I detest nylon injected u-joint cup locking systems, but this press, a clamp, and a propane torch worked just fine. It was simple to press the new cups into position with this. On the other truck, I wished I had one a couple of u-joints ago. For the record, this project involved a 1999 Yukon's front drive-shaft.Despite not being made of the best materials, the tool is sturdy; however, I advise applying some lubricant to the threads (and to protect it from rust - but I live in a very damp environment). The storage container is useful because it keeps all the pieces in the tool shed together. Larger than I anticipated based on the photographs, which made me pleasantly surprised. It is the correct size for the work and could handle joints slightly larger than mine. For those of us who must or wish to repair our own vehicles, this is a tremendously useful tool.There is a caution notice that states not to use an impact wrench because you might shatter it or, more likely, bend your yoke. However, I only used an ordinary ratchet and a 7/8 socket with it.



Pickle Fork Tool Set - Includes Tie Rod Tool, Ball Joint Separator, Pitman Arm Wedge (3 Piece Pickle Fork Set) Review:


Product arrived earlier than anticipated. Very strong; from the way the interior liner is cracked, I assume a heavier box was placed on top of it during shipping. The tools are great other from it, and the outside case is still in good shape. I would recommend it to anyone as being definitely worth the money. A


Do you need an alignment after replacing tie rods?

If you have recently replaced your tie rods, you may be wondering if you need an alignment. The answer is maybe. Replacing your tie rods should not affect your alignment unless the old ones were damaged or the new ones are not installed correctly. However, it is always a good idea to get your alignment checked after making any changes to your suspension.

How do you remove ball joints without tools?

There are a few ways to remove ball joints without tools, but the most common is to use a hammer and chisel. First, you'll need to find the ball joint. It's usually located at the base of the steering knuckle. Once you've found it, use the chisel to score the joint. Be sure to score it evenly on all sides. Next, use the hammer to carefully tap the chisel. As you do, the ball joint will slowly loosen. Once it's loose, you should be able to remove it by hand. If it's still

How long does it take to do a ball joint?

A ball joint is a type of joint that allows movement in two planes. It is usually found in the suspension system of a vehicle. The ball joint consists of a ball and socket that are connected by a metal rod. The ball is held in place by a metal cap that is welded to the socket. The socket is connected to the vehicle's frame. The ball joint allows the suspension system to move up and down as well as side to side. This allows the wheels to stay in contact with the ground even as the vehicle moves over uneven terrain. The ball joint also helps

How long does it take to replace ball joints and tie rods?

How long does it take to replace ball joints and tie rods? The average time it takes to replace ball joints and tie rods is about two hours. However, this can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle.

How much does it cost to have a ball joint pressed in?

If you're lucky, you can have a ball joint pressed in for free. Otherwise, it typically costs between $100 and $200 to have a ball joint pressed in, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

How much should a tie rod and ball joint replacement cost?

A tie rod is a part of your car's steering system - it helps convert the rotating motion of your steering wheel into the linear motion needed to turn your wheels. The ball joint is a "ball and socket" connection between the control arm and steering knuckle - it allows your wheels to move up and down as you drive, as well as turn from side to side. Because they're both essential to the proper functioning of your car's steering, it's important to replace them if they start to wear out. The cost of tie rod and ball joint replacement will vary depending on