Help! Lol how do I physically press out the lower ball joint?

[Happy Hummer]

I've got the H3 apart repla ing all the stuff (ie upper uca, tie rod end, linx, lower ball joint)...

I'm at a complete loss as to how to physically press the lower out!
Is there a retaining ring? Is it have to be torched out? It's the oem on my gf's lca.
Please save my sanity $!@#

Pics would be a big help

 

[08H3]

Borrow a ball joint press from the parts store. I got mine at O'Reilly s. Make sure you also get what they call the 4wd adapter. That's how I changed mine.

 

[Happy Hummer]

Sorry for the confusion. I bought a press from Harbor Freight and it won't budge after 2 hours even after torching it. We have now gone up to Auto Zone and rented one of their presses. Lower ball joint out in 4-5 minutes. Note to self, stop buying cheap Harbor Freight tools.

 

[alrock]

Sorry for the confusion. I bought a press from Harbor Freight and it won't budge after 2 hours even after torching it. We have now gone up to Auto Zone and rented one of their presses. Lower ball joint out in 4-5 minutes. Note to self, stop buying cheap Harbor Freight tools.

They have their place, but apparently ball joint presses isn't one to get. I usually buy their tools just so I can get a free flashlight :giggle:

 

[4speedfunk]

Giant sledge hammer and a bench vise. I find the pound-it-out method works best, if you are not planning to save the ball-joint. The shock of the hammer blow seems to do a better job of separating the rust and corrosion, (compared to the smooth pressure of the press). I use the same method on u-joints, differential races, and tie-rods. It just seems to work better, IMO. I have a box of brass discs and collars of various sizes that use in conjunction with the hammer. This allows me to wail away without deforming the part I'm trying to remove or install. Don't try this with steel on steel.

 

[woodwardsh3]

Great advice