How to separate lower ball joint from knuckle?

[nateo]

2017 ram 1500. I am trying to remove the steering knuckle so I can replace the hub. Typical ball joint separator is too small. i.e. it doesn't open up wide enough for the long stud this thing has. Tried a 4 lb. sledge, didn't budge.

 

[jws123]

2017 ram 1500. I am trying to remove the steering knuckle so I can replace the hub. Typical ball joint separator is too small. i.e. it doesn't open up wide enough for the long stud this thing has. Tried a 4 lb. sledge, didn't budge.

Howcome you are removing the steering knuckle just to replace a hub? Unless something that i dont know about changed on a 2017 you dont have to remove it should be 4 bolts on hub and you hammer it off and if its stuck use a torch to heat it up a bit.

 

[Nicholas Cove]

Big freaking hammer. Should be a flat spot to hit.

 

[nateo]

Howcome you are removing the steering knuckle just to replace a hub? Unless something that i dont know about changed on a 2017 you dont have to remove it should be 4 bolts on hub and you hammer it off and if its stuck use a torch to heat it up a bit.

What kind of torch?

 

[nateo]

Big freaking hammer. Should be a flat spot to hit.

Not helpful. As I already indicated I already tried 4 lb hammer.

 

[Nicholas Cove]

Hit it harder. Get a bigger hammer. It's how I change every single ball joint and tirerod. A bigger hammer is the answer to everything. As another member said there is zero reason to take the spindle off when changing a wheel bearing.

 

[jws123]

No need to remove the knuckle unless you wanna destroy your balljoints trying to get it off.
Also by the way are you sure the hub is bad on a 2017? i have 210k on my 2011 orig hubs they dont fail that often.

 

[Livinalittle]

All I ever use is a 2lb sledge and, if necessary, a 3 or 4' prybar.

I have to agree with the comments above though; I haven't heard of many wheel bearings going (especially after only a few years) and even if it were the case, there should be no reason to separate your ball joints.

 

[CVX20]

Not helpful. As I already indicated I already tried 4 lb hammer.

Get a long bar and put some pressure on it and then give it a smack with the hammer.Easier with an extra set of hands but not necessary.

 

[muddy12]

there is a tool called the "hub buster" made for removing stuck wheel bearing units.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3624703447...DnzOJME6uFwfNVC625ZK1jHqvWs3f33QaAkeDEALw_wcB

Looks like a DIY version would be fairly simple to make.

 

[VelocityC6Z]

Spray some kroil oil or pb blaster down there on it, let it sit for a half hour, spray it again... then get some pressure on it so it's pulling already, then hit it with the hammer pretty hard... one time i had to heat up my knuckle to get it to expand, and i was just very careful about not getting heat on the ball joint so it didn't expand with the knuckle, and was able to get it out that way.