u need a big tuning fork and a sledge hammer i did it yesterday
With a ball joint press and removal tool.
you have to take the complete wishbone off to press out ball joint
Seperate steering Knuckle from I-beam and use Ball joint press for removal and Instalition
Remove wheel Loosen nut on ball joint stud(s) Hammer or press old ball joint(s) out of control arm (with control arm supported) Properly install new part with ball joint press Install grease fitting and properly tighten new ball joint nut Install new cotter pin Add grease to ball joint and assemble all parts in reverse order of removal
The hip joint is a ball and socket joint.
You should take the wheel off. Locate the ball joint and use a ball joint separator (if you do not have one, you can use a screwdriver and slam it out of there, but a separator is safer). Installation is the reverse of removal. Its actually pretty easy and can be done in about 2 hours.
The ball joint in a vehicle is used to pivot between the wheel and the suspension. There are usually and upper ball joint and a lower ball joint.
Remove control arm from vehicle. If ball joint is pressed, use ball joint press (or hammer) to remove ball joint. If it is held in by rivits, destroy rivits and remove ball joint. Bushings may be removed and installed with ball joint press; use your head (ie: you can use a socket if there is not a ball joint press adapter that fits control arm bushing, etc.). Install new bushing STRAIGHT! Install all other parts in reverse order of removal. You should get an alignment after finished.
Ball Joint Replacement: I used the rental tool to press out the old ball joint and press in the new one. When pressing out the old ball joint the key is to properly set up the press, tighten the screw on the press, then give the screw a few good solid blows to shock the old ball joint. Once I did this the old ball joint pressed out almost effortlessly. Installation of the new ball joint was a breeze. The only comment is be extremely careful not to damage the axle boot seals. Have wire on hand to tie the spindle assembly and axle for support to prevent damage to the brake hoses and ABS system.
The joint in your shoulder is a Ball & Socket Joint.
There all kinds of tools for Ball Joints; OTC Remover, Ball Joint OTC Ball Joint Separator KD Tools Ball Joint Separator OTC Ball Joint Service Set KD Tools Universal Ball Joint Separator OTC Wrench, Ball Joint Spanner KD Tools Ball Joint/U-Joint/Brake Anchor Pin Press OTC Master Ball Joint Adapter Set KD Tools Ball Joint/U-Joint/Brake Anchor Pin Press Set KD Tools Ford Ball Joint Cam Tool Sears.com
Ball joints have a slight "interference" fit when tightened, and that makes them stubborn breaking them loose. The first, best, way to remove them is with a ball joint removal tool you can most likely rent or borrow from your local auto parts store. Failing that, a good size hammer hit on the steering knuckle where the tapered end of the ball joint fastens will often break the tension enough to free the joint.