P38A Ball Joint question

pwood999 said:

I like the groove & bolster idea. Also saw in an older thread that someone suggested bunging an old disc on the hub and hitting that, but worried it might cause bearing problems.

Click to expand...

That's how I remove the hubs, big Amma ana big chisel!! Then file any scoring later. A nice coat of copper slip around the fitted faces on reasembly

+1 on a big hammer and I’ve that don’t work get a bigger one

Don't forget the hot hammer

pwood999 said:

Got the brakes, backplates & discs off, plus managed to loosen the hub bolts. Set them to about 5mm out, and tried hammering each of the four in turn to shift the hub but no luck. It's now soaking in plus-gas overnight to see if that helps.

BTW, what's the best way to remove ABS sensors ?

Click to expand...

Plusgas and score the rust away along the join and just hammer and more Plusgas. Eventually it will let go.

Grrrrrr said:

Plusgas and score the rust away along the join and just hammer and more Plusgas. Eventually it will let go.

Click to expand...

Didn't work on either of mine

Mark Piercy said:

That's how I remove the hubs, big Amma ana big chisel!! Then file any scoring later. A nice coat of copper slip around the fitted faces on reasembly

Click to expand...

That's ma boy Always said it When in doubt give it a clout

If at first you dont succeed a bigger hammers what you need

Ended up destroying the ABS sensor, but got the RH hub out complete with driveshaft. Had to use the spare brake disc method & big hammer to shift the hub.

Manged to shift the top joint about 4-5mm so far, but Problem now is my ball joint tool doesn't have the correct size receiving tube. I have this set, but really need a set with 45mm tube.

pwood999 said:

Ended up destroying the ABS sensor, but got the RH hub out complete with driveshaft. Had to use the spare brake disc method & big hammer to shift the hub.

Manged to shift the top joint about 4-5mm so far, but Problem now is my ball joint tool doesn't have the correct size receiving tube. I have this set, but really need a set with 45mm tube.

Click to expand...

I have that set, I had to make up/modify parts to suit

I think it needs about a 45mm tube because the joint is 47mm where it goes through the axle yoke. Not something I have laying around !! Sockets are no good because 1/2" drive doesn't fit over the threaded stub.

I've got the much bigger set and it still took some messing about with different Bits. I cant even remember which bits I used where but top/bottom needed different set ups and different again to put the new ones in. I cut the taper pins off too on one or both but I can't recall why.
I remember being frustrated that "if only this bit had a different location point, then it would work well" but it didn't .
The Doris took some pics of the bits used but they didn't come out too well but it helped when I did the other side..

This is what happens to the driveshaft shroud if you can't get the sensor out. Bit of damage, no biggey, but remember ,this adds to the force needed to remove the hub.

Oh, and to add, thraping the disc, chisels, releasing fluid etc didn't shift my hub, had to use a 3 legged puller.
If you read my "Duchess is in the garage" thread there are lots of pics you may find useful there.

I heated around the hub carrier before whacking the sacrificial disc. Then added more plus gas & coffee break. Then after heating carrier again it shifted.

Now thinking I will cut the ball stems down so a suitable socket fits for pressing out. Fairly sure the sleeve in the kit will be ok for re-install, but need to check again. Wishing I bought the kit with more sleeves.

pwood999 said:

Ended up destroying the ABS sensor, but got the RH hub out complete with driveshaft. Had to use the spare brake disc method & big hammer to shift the hub.

Manged to shift the top joint about 4-5mm so far, but Problem now is my ball joint tool doesn't have the correct size receiving tube. I have this set, but really need a set with 45mm tube.

Click to expand...

Thats the mother, plenty of oil on the thread before you give it the beans please vicor

Mark Piercy said:

Thats the mother, plenty of oil on the thread before you give it the beans please vicor

Click to expand...

My set came with the recommendation of CV joint grease on the thread.

And don't forget to put the new joints in the freezer for a couple of days.

tomcat59alan said:

And don't forget to put the new joints in the freezer for a couple of days.

Click to expand...

In a bag or they'll weld them selves to your Xmas turkey.

Already in the freezer. . . . . . . in plastic bags they came in.

So the other side was much easier, but still had to destroy the ABS Sensor to remove hub & driveshaft. Simple method was to use 1/2" chisel to slice off the end of the sensor, which then allows the hub to come out without damaging the sensor hole !! Spare brake disc method took about 4 whacks each side, and the hub popped out.

Sorted out the rusted ABS sensor with the hub carrier in the bench vice - much easier this time. Drilled out the gubbins and then slice down the aluminium to remove. Both carriers mostly de-rusted now, especially where the hubs go back in. Plenty of old grease & oil all over them, so not much rust !!

4 new ball joints installed. Now waiting for the driveshaft seals & CV boots to arrive.