Ball Joint Replacement: Upper Stud stuck in knuckle

[mdmbkr]

The upper ball joint stud pulled out of the socket entirely when I used the pickle fork on it.

So the knuckle is off, with the upper stud still stuck in there.

Any easy way to fix this?

Is this an OEM upper ball joint?

Thanks!

 

[mdmbkr]

Disregard! I guess I needed a break to think a little more clearly .. used the BJ remover tool to get it out, cake!

Now I'm stuck trying to get the lower BJ dust boot installed. The directions say to put it on prior to pressing it in .. but I pressed it in first. And frankly I don't see how you could press it in without destroying the boot. But now that it's on, I can't for the life of me get that boot on there!

 

[mdmbkr]

OK .. used BJ installation tool to gently press on the dust boot.

Now both BJ's installed on driver's side successfully.

Anyone who finds this thread searching for how to replace ball joints, look at this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3jjPouRdFw

I suggest deviating from the Moog instructions by installing the dust boot after pressing in the lower ball joint. Also, don't forget to install the zerk fitting on the upper ball joint!

 

[yossarian19]

Note, too : the lower ball joints I bought from Napa came with a zerk fitting, which definitely dont' clear ZJ front drive shafts (CV style vs U joint)

Also, I got to the point where I was putting body weight on a 30" breaker bar trying to force the ball joint press' screw. Ball joint wouldn't budge.
Tapped the inner C with a hammer a few times and BANG the joint jumped 1/4". Useful trick : the hammer breaks the friction (somehow) for a moment & things can move.

 

[2X_01_Jeeps]

Ball joint wouldn't budge.
Tapped the inner C with a hammer a few times and BANG the joint jumped 1/4". Useful trick : the hammer breaks the friction (somehow) for a moment & things can move.

I had to do that to get front axle ujoints to move when changing them on my XJ. BFH to tap with then makes a big noise when it breaks loose. Thought I was going to strip the BJ tool for sure.