Ball Joint Splitter

[Doug Dastardly]

Evening all.

 

I need to take my top wishbone off the upright to remove my cycle wing. If you're interested it's to add a third stay to stop them banging about.

 

Can anyone reccommend a splitting tool? I prefer the look of the screw types to the hammer types, but I've never used one. The last thing I want to do is buy one that doesn't fit or isn't suitable.

 

I presume a ball joint can be taken apart and reused?

 

If there's any other advice about the job or tool use please fire away

 

Thanks very much.

 

Doug

[Norman Verona]

before spending money try this. Undo the nut so the top off the nut is still covering the thread. Then hit the side of wishbone hard with a heavy hammer. They usually come apart.

[Doug Dastardly]

Thanks Norman,

 

I did try hitting the nut upwards, but not hard as I didn't like it.

 

Just to make sure....hit the wishbone, not the upright? Can you do it without damaging the powder coat?

[Andy Rob]

Hi Doug

I bought a screw type one from Halfords as I wanted to split the ball joint to adjust the set up.

It worked well, but I noticed when I was putting it back on that I had caused a small tear in the rubber boot on the ball joint.

Could have been down to me rather than the tool, but just something to be mindful off, as I ended up replacing it :-(

Andy

[FILFAN]

Yup the hammer always works for me.

If it still won't budge hit with 2 hammers at either side

[Norman Verona]

If you're concerned about the powder coating use a copper hammer or put a piece of copper over the wishbone.

[DerekJ]

If you go for the screw type make sure it's the "heavy duty" type.  like this one...

 

Clicky

 

 

You can get it in B&Q Halfords etc...

[Ian Podmore]

Avoid simple hammer in type, been there, had to replace split boot afterwards.

I use a screw type one, you know it's always going to work without damaging anything.

[Hammy]

If using a puller or splitter doing it up tight then a tap with a hammer is a good method. I've seen pullers have threads stripped by over tightening to try and break a joint .

[KenP]

If you go for the screw type make sure it's the "heavy duty" type. like this one...

Clicky

You can get it in B&Q Halfords etc...

That's the one I use. Works well for me but will not open wide enough for the bottom ball joint on mine.

 

 

- similar story here, but ten minutes careful work with an angry grinder and a file soon solved that one!