whats the best way to seperate the knuckle from the control arm(2nd pic)? for the steering rack to the knuckle, i got that bolt off by hammering it but after i got it off i realized that i smashed it down so the bolt doesnt screw back on. how do i replace that bolt? that rubber boot on the other side is not wanting to come off. is there some sort of technique or am suppose to man handle the ****?
also anyone know the part number for the bolt that connects the steering link to the knuckle? thanks in advance!

nam

 

you need a pillow ball puller to properly pull that off the knuckle, not the manhammer. it basically presses the pillowball out. i'm actually doing that same thing to my FD last night/today sorry, i don't have the part number handy.

edit: btw, it's called the "tie rod end ball joint" and if you need another, call up Ray.

 

Wait, so you hammered the "bolt" connected to the lower control arm to get it out of the hub? If thats the case you might need an entirely new control arm because they are not replaceable. If it isnt tooo bad you can take a file and go at the threads to open them back up or get the correct die and rethread it. You need to get a tie rod fork to separate the bottom joints on the front lower controls arms from the hub.

 

here's what i did...

place the tool (i "rented" it from Advance Auto, required a deposit of $100 for the whole "front end tool kit" or whatever it was called, but it gets fully refunded when you return the tools) so the screw sits on top of the bolt and the arms hook underneath the knuckle. screw it down, in my case i used a socket and ratchet, until it pops - it'll sound like it broke.


here's another pic for fun:


here's the whole steering rack assembly out of the car:

 

i know you're past this point, but that's just for future reference, and for anyone else that reads this thread and wants to know how to do it.

 

thanks for the info guys! im pretty sure i can salvage the parts i damaged. good thing i stop working on the other sides.
so you cant for sure replace the lower end ball joint without replacing the arm? man that sucks!

 

i don't see why not... did you call Ray and ask him? he's listed in the FAQ's. just ask for the "tie rod end ball joint" (which is what it's called in the workshop manual). another option is to put a WTB ad in the Part For Sale / Wanted section.

 

The steering tie rods are replaceable, and Malloy's price for an outer is about $45-50 last I checked. Suspension control arms do NOT have replaceable ball joints, and require new arms ($$$$!!!) when they wear out.

Quick tip: loosen but do not remove the nut when popping these things free. They release violently.

 

i just got the outer rod for $30 and rented the 5 piece tool kit at kragens. for the lower A arm joint its not so bad. i wouldnt mind replacing it but its to much $.