polaris 400 ball joint removal

DwightCobra · #1 (**permalink**) 01-05-2012, 06:34 AM

I'm restoring a 94 400L 4x4 and im having one heck of a time removing the lower ball joint. I assume its the original ball joint, and i dont want to mess up the aluminum strut in the process. Any suggestions?I have heated the surrounding area, a couple of days of penetration oil, but its not moving.

**Bruce!** · #2 (**permalink**) 01-05-2012, 10:28 AM

Welcome to the board!

87CYCLONE · #3 (**permalink**) 01-05-2012, 04:43 PM

If the threads are still there and good you can cut out a short piece of pipe and slide it over the bolt. Obviously the pipe has to be bigger around than the ball joint. Then put a heavy duty washer over the bolt and pipe and thread the nut on. This will act as a puller to pull the ball joint up out of the strut and into the pipe. It works about 7 out of 10 times. Them joints can be pretty stubborn!

gmiller0737 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-05-2012, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 87CYCLONE

If the threads are still there and good you can cut out a short piece of pipe and slide it over the bolt. Obviously the pipe has to be bigger around than the ball joint. Then put a heavy duty washer over the bolt and pipe and thread the nut on. This will act as a puller to pull the ball joint up out of the strut and into the pipe. It works about 7 out of 10 times. Them joints can be pretty stubborn!

I agree I used a large socket & a washer.

DwightCobra · #5 (**permalink**) 01-06-2012, 06:11 AM

thanks for the suggestions , ill post how it goes

Russ C · #6 (**permalink**) 01-06-2012, 07:59 AM

lrge pair of vise grips, clamp them onto stud tightly, get a torch and heat bottom of strut around joint, get it pretty hot, hit vice grips with hammer and it will come out, if you have a large deep socket that will fit the new joint you can tap it back in while still hot.