Cascade Crew

91camaro_rs

ok i need a ball joint press and i dont remember what its called but i need the tools to replace my tie rod ends and idler arm. i think its a pitman puller and tie rod separator?

if anyone has these and if i could borrow them that would be awesome!!

Al Hasse · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 10:41 am Post subject:

I have tie rod and ball joint separators (pickle forks), ball joint press can be rented from Auto Zone (free - deposit is refunded after return). What do you need a pitman puller for? Pitman arm is a non-wear item and doesn't need replacing unless you've bent it from an accident...

91camaro_rs · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 10:42 am Post subject:

i was watching a how to video on how to replace the idler arm, and he used a pitman puller to take off the idler arm

91RSVert · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 12:03 pm Post subject:

All them tools can be rented from most parts stores.

Depends on what automobile your refuring to on the pitman arm. I know a 1997 chevy full size truck, that is a wear item Wink

Al Hasse · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 12:04 pm Post subject:

I can come down and give you a hand. I have everything except the ball joint press. I'll even bring a floor jack and some jack stands. Tie rod separator works fine for the idler arm, I did mine that way Wink

91camaro_rs · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 12:10 pm Post subject:

that would be awesome! if its easier i can drive to ur place that way you dont have to use any gas or anything, and i can just rent the ball joint press

and idk if i said it before or not but i am also replacing the control arm bushings

aaron_sK · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 12:45 pm Post subject:

91camaro_rs · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 1:08 pm Post subject:

i think its where the idler arm connects to the linkage is the harder part

Al Hasse · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 1:28 pm Post subject:

91camaro_rs · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 1:44 pm Post subject:

i didnt even think about getting stranded haha good thing ya brought that up, i have been working everyother day so i want to find a time where i dont work for two days that way if something happens i dont gotta worry about getting to work.

and for the bushings this website uses a hydraulic press thing

http://www.pdm-racing.com/installs/installs_FLCAbushings.html

91RSVert · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 3:32 pm Post subject:

On my lower LCA's, I took them to a shop for a day and let them press the balls and bushings in.

Now on my bosses s10, upper control arms. I beat them out with a little heat and a BFH. Put them back in with ice, socket, BFH.

izcain · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 3:46 pm Post subject:

The pitman arm CAN and will wear out. They are more of a wear item then people think. The ball socket gets play as well as the splines can get play. Im sure you can get the puller for autozone as well. If you were a little closer I would just let you barrow them all to bad.....

Al Hasse · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 5:34 pm Post subject:

91camaro_rs · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 9:02 pm Post subject:

i think i gonna start taking it apart on thursday...still gotta get a 18mm socket and friday gonna take the control arms to my friends house to get the bushings out and replaced then go to my friends cousins house cause he has a ball joint press. will i have to compress the springs to take them out to remove the control arms? or do the springs not matter?

Al Hasse · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 9:18 pm Post subject:

Spring compressor might be good. I didn't use one. I had the A-arm supported with my floor jack while I separated the ball joint. Then I slowly lowered the A-arm with the jack until I was able to remove the spring. The front of the car has to be pretty high to do this. Also a good idea to use a chain or something to secure the bottom of the spring to the A-arm so the spring doesn't become a missile.

91camaro_rs · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 9:52 pm Post subject:

good idea, im definatly gonna chain that thing down, those springs could take someone out easily, if i can get my hands on a spring compressor ill just use that