Ball Joint separator?

pchase

pchase

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Hello, noob here. My name is Pete and I've got 2000 Boxster S that I've been enjoying for about a month now. I'm going to be replacing my CV boots this weekend (I'm new to Boxsters, but not Porsches or auto repair) and I was wondering if anyone in the South Bay had a ball joint separator tool that I could borrow. I've got an old school fork-style seperator that I could use if I have to, but I'd hate to damage those expensive German balljoints down there... Do auto parts stores even carry tools like that?

Thanks,
Pete
 
try Autozone, if no one here has one...

they have a free :)loaner program at some of their locations.
 
I actually have that tool. I bought it from 9xauto several years ago. Best tool yet for removing tie rod end without damaging. Be careful if you're not using proper tools. I've used brass drift and hammer to punch it out before and have been successful but a few times doing more damage. Not just to the parts but my hands. You're welcome to borrow it but you'll have to come before the weekend since I'm leaving town fr a week.
 

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yep, I have used that type before and a "pickle fork"

just crank on the big bolt and then all of a sudden BANG...........:eek:
make sure the tool is seated completely before you start cranking.
 
Yes just crank but do not keep cranking till it comes loose. It helps if you tap on the balljoint/tierod periodicallywith a hammer. I said tap not pound. If it doesn't brake loose continue to crank.
 
cas951 said:
I actually have that tool. I bought it from 9xauto several years ago. Best tool yet for removing tie rod end without damaging. Be careful if you're not using proper tools. I've used brass drift and hammer to punch it out before and have been successful but a few times doing more damage. Not just to the parts but my hands. You're welcome to borrow it but you'll have to come before the weekend since I'm leaving town fr a week.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the offer CAS, but I'm going to attempt it first without removing the balljoints. If that doesn't work, I'll try to find one at a parts store.

Pete
 
If you're working by yourself (with no helper) it's better to break the joint.
If you have a (strong) helper that can lift the wheel carrier while you maneuver the half shaft, you can do it without breaking the joint.
I purchased my joint breaker at NAPA Auto Parts and then filed down the tip by about 1 mm and have not damaged any dust covers.
Good luck and
Happy Boxstering,
Pedro
 
We've been discussing this over on 986 Forum. I'm doing one of my CV joints now, just have to get back out to the garage to finish the job. I had no problem getting the half shaft out without breaking the ball joints. I just removed the lower stress plate, jacked the wheel carrier up to get the right angle on it, and pushed the shaft out and under the transmission. No problems....

Kirk
 
The problem with this procedure is that you will then need an alignment.
If you load the suspension with the diagonal braces loose or removed, the geometry shifts.
If you crack the joint to gain wiggle room, there'll be no change in geometry and no need to re-align.
Happy Boxstering,
Pedro
 
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