Review on 🔧 GEARWRENCH 3916D Ball Joint Separator: Efficient and Reliable Tool for Easy Auto Repair by Robert Sorrells

I was trying to remove the original wishbones from my BMW Z3 to replace them and I spent days hammering the wishbones and knuckles and mutilating the old ball joints with a cucumber fork (of course I've done it several times penetrating oil used) . I loosened the inner ball joints with a cucumber fork, but I couldn't get the outer ball joints to come loose from the knuckles. The problem is that on at least some BMWs (like the Z3), the linkage balls aren't rigidly connected to the wishbones, but are instead embedded in rubber to "isolate" them. Basically, to transmit less vibration and shock from the road to the car. So if the threaded part really sticks to the knuckle and you try to drive the sole fork (which is really just a wedge) between the control lever and the knuckle, you will see the base of the ball joint detach from its rubber mount in the control arm tried to solve. Basically, the effort you put in is wasted. That's why you NEED this rubber insulated ball joint tool. And really, unless you want to mess around with your old control arms (e.g. install new ball joints) it would be a lot cleaner to use this tool. I didn't use an air gun or anything like that, just a 1/2" ratchet and socket. It continued to be tightened until an unexpected firing sound was heard (kinda like a 22 caliber shot a few inches away). But you'll smile If like me you've been struggling to loosen ball joints for days! This tool is a great invention and I would say if you want to make ball joints this would be a great idea. (and an absolute must if you make BMW rubber insulated ball joints have).