Cheerz Jeff

Hi

reading your post and when you have removed the nut the you have to seperate the ball joint the right way is to use a ball joint splitter,(available in most accessory shops)

Since you are replacing the ball joint you can place a heavy hammer one side of the joint and strike the other side and shock the joint often releasing the two tapers.

With the hub supported/chocked lever the lower wishbone down,at the same time remove the chock and the joint can be freed

Cheers Beamer m8. If I use the ball joint splitter can I still re-use the ball joint after??

You should be able to reuse the joint but, be very careful that you don't split the rubber gaitor as that keeps the grease in and the dirt out, and it's an MOT failure if its 'weeping' the other problem you might have is the the joint just turns when your're trying to tighten it back up. There are two ways round this, either use a pair of welding clamps to lock the joint in the socket or pleace a jack under the arn and use the weight of the car to hold it all firm. be very careful that you don't a) lift the car off theaxle stands or b) bend anything.

 

Good Luck

 

Tim