I just destroyed my ball joint rubber boots

Thanks for the help! Don't know why I couldn't find it.

Thanks for posting that link for me!

I know the old mechanic technique of whacking the spindle is widely held, but it didn't work for me when I changed out my ball joints. The instructions from Moog for my new ball joints also clearly said to not hit the spindle with a hammer to free the spindle from the taper. I needed two forks to pop mine loose, but once I got the forks they came apart right quick. The dusts boot were destroyed, but they came apart for the first time in 38 years.

When I replaced both front springs the BFH was all I needed to pop those suckers loose. Probably lucky because I am a novice. I have a fork but I use it as a pry bar for everything but the BJs.

I called PST, they will sell the boots if you bought the ball joint / front end kit from them.

I got 4 new rubber boots on there way, i love PST

L

That's good to know as I got mine from them also!

Just did the front end of my Mustang this weekend. I wish I had seen the link for the homemade press. That would've worked great. Instead, I went to Autozone and bought a tie rod end press (part number 27022) for $12. Works perfect on tie rod ends and ball joints. I hammered on the joint with a pickle fork and just couldn't get it to budge. The press knocked it loose with no effort.

Originally Posted by FEandGoingBroke

Two BFH's and you Never need another BJ Fork...

I haven't used one in 12 years...

2? Naw ... I got one. ~40oz ball peen hammer. Smack the knuckle once or twice and off they come. I have never used a ball joint fork. Ever.

And getting them out of the arms is even easier. Cut off wheel.

Let us know how the boots seal and fit. if they are the slip on type or do they seal at the bottom by way of anything. The ones i looked at, they just didnt seem right. I grieve my wasted time/money on the boots. I hope yours work. Seems if you buy from PST they should be able to match up the boots to the BJ just fine, me, I didnt have it that way.

I have destroyed a boot with a pickle fork. I never use them any more. Use two hammers. Use one three pound sledge on the left or right side of the knuckle. You don't need to swing the three pound sledge. All it is used to back up the other hammer. On the opposite side of the sledge use another hammer and wack the knuckle. It should break free. The sledge should bounce off the knuckle. Kind of like the kinetic ball motion machine. Only loosen the nuts on the ball joint. Don't take the nuts off the stud you could get hurt with a flying spring or something like that. And be sure to support the lower control arm with a floor jack.

Larry