Ball joint splitters,which is preferred?

[bluequattro]

Last time I did struts on a coupe the normal tw**ing them with a hammer worked in the end but the strut looked worse for it
Opinions on ball joint/steering arm splitters- fork or wind up ones?
Trying to make life easier!

[andy10v]

I use this type for the outer track rod end BJ/Strut steering arm



Wind it up and it should let go with a bang, if not wind it up, then **** the side of the steering arm with a hammer and it should pop.

I have a fork one as well, but they often tear the boot.

Got one of these as well, but not big enough

[mcandmar]

Curious about this as i broke mine recently and dont know what to buy.

Used one of these for years http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DRAPER-139...item2a0ccfdae3 Worked well on the Audi but had trouble fitting onto different cars due to the limited length.

Was thinking about buying this version to replace it. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DRAPER-EXP...item35b47ed655

I also have the fork which i never use as it destroys the boots, and the single bolt type but it never fits onto anything so its useless too.

Interested to hear of any other options..

[andy10v]

This is another one I have, don't think I have used it on the b3/4. Was a life saver on the B5 A4 though!

[UrS4boy]

I use this type for the outer track rod end BJ/Strut steering arm.

Wind it up and it should let go with a bang, if not wind it up, then **** the side of the steering arm with a hammer and it should pop.

Maybe more of a BAAANNNGGG than a "pop".

[stocious]

Maybe more of a BAAANNNGGG than a "pop".

Have not used a small one but I will agree with the bang. Especially when tightens down with a 3/4 gun..

Often had to left overnight, to find it let go in the morning,

Didn't know one wax available for cars.

I'm getting one

[djh]

Maybe more of a BAAANNNGGG than a "pop".

they are ok but I have found they tend to shatter after a while and one of the legs come off.

[stocious]

http://www.sykes-pickavant.com/Portals/0/PDFs/Suspension/Suspension%20-%20Ball%20Joint%20Separators%20&%20Splitters.pdf

[bluequattro]

Thanks for the info peeps
Didn't have chance to get one before started stripping, thought I d try without
Undid nuts, couple of taps and steering arms practically fell off!
Then stupid shock tops had different size Allen heads! Course, I'd only checked when side when I loaded up with tools before going the farm, only to discover I didn't have the right one for the other side
Tory bit to the rescue!

[macspring]

http://www.drapertools.com/b2c/b2citmdsp.pgm?pp_skmno=13907&ipadd=

I use this, it works a treat. In order to stop the two legs slipping off, I use a G shaped clamp.

Can be a bit of a faff to set up, but once ready, just use a ratchet 17 spanner on the pullers, and will "snap" the ball joint open in couple of quarter turns of the spanner, with no damage to the boot, and no hammering the arm of the stut.

The other so called ball joint separators don't fit our ball joints, or damage them, important if you are not replacing the ball joint.

I always use loads of copper paste on everything under the car I take apart, a joy to work on subsequently. Each to their own.

HTH.