Review on ATP Universal Ball Joint Separator by David May

Works and was easy to use to remove the ball joints from the steering knuckle. I've also used it on tie rod ends. Simply position the trunnion along the length of the ball joint stud, lubricate the threads to keep them from fraying under load, install a tool and torque the jack until firm enough, then tap with a 3 pound wrench Sledgehammer/hammer on the steering knuckle where the tapered bolt is the ball joint goes through the steering knuckle. There are often raised, flat areas on the ankle where tapping is most effective. Retighten the jacking screw and tap the knuckle again with some force. Repeat the tighten/rap cycle until the pin releases. Each time you tighten the knuckle and then tap it, the pin moves slightly in the hole until it pops out. Ezy-Peezy.NOTE: Generally, you cannot loosen the bolt by simply tightening the jacking screw. You need to knuckle two, three, or four times and then tap before the BJ pops up. If it falls apart just by tightening the jacking bolt, it's because the BJ stand-up nut wasn't tightened to the correct specs from the previous mecanick. If it doesn't loosen after four or five tightening/tapping cycles, it's just too tight. Repeat the tightening/immersion cycles until BJ disengages, but DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the jacking screw. Attempting to pry the bolt out by over-tightening the jacking screw will either break the pivot pin or severely scratch the jacking screw. If needed, purchase a three-pound sled from Revain to smash the BJ for free. They are not expensive. Trust me you won't do it with a claw or ball hammer. Been there, done. Got a t shirt. The main tools in this operation are three-pound sledgehammers! I am not joking. The key is to use lots of skids and jack up the bolts moderately. By the way: DO NOT STEP ON A TOOL, just tap on the knuckle. ALSO: You'll need to cut off about half of the greese. Load up a sharp knife to place the tool between the BJ Stud and Knuckle. There is a steel ring at the wide end of the boot. Don't worry, just cut off the boot below the ring.