How do you get the upper ball joints off the control arm?

[Morpheus]

I'm trying to get these damn ball joints off the upper control arm, and I need some advice. I started to attack one of them with my dremel, but I thought i should get some advice before pressing on.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/morpheus34711/Daphne%20VIN%204363/06%20Frame%20Teardown/44c36aec.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/morpheus34711/Daphne%20VIN%204363/06%20Frame%20Teardown/29aa329d.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/morpheus34711/Daphne%20VIN%204363/06%20Frame%20Teardown/fa148cd0.jpg

As you can see from the last picture, the nut has seized on the joint itself and now the entire shaft spins. I need to get the ball joint out of the arm so I can get it in a vice and then get it off the steering knuckle. I hate this car's suspension.

[sean]

Grind/cut/drill the 4 bits on the upper joint off. For the seized nut you'll need to cut that bad boy off too. A nut splitter (http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_34573_34573) might help you there.

[Morpheus]

Thanks Sean!

I went through about 6 cutting disks, but got the ball joint off the arm. I have to run to HF to get a nut splitter to finish the job.

[Kenny_Z]

While you're at HF just get an angle grinder and some of the large cutoffs if you have to do the other side. It'll eat through those in seconds. I've cut through heavy rivets in my Nova's frame with a B&D angle grinder in no time flat.

[Morpheus]

Good info, thanks Kenny!

[Kenny_Z]

I forgot to mention, if you pick up a wire wheel for that angle grinder you can clean the paint off those A-arms quickly and recoat them. Just make sure you've got some good eye protection. I use a set of goggles and a whole face shield with working with wire wheels. After getting a piece of the Nova in my eye and wearing an eye patch for 24 hours I became very paranoid.

[David T]

If you do use a wire wheel on the angle grinder make sure you do not spin it faster than it's max speed. Most grinders are too fast for wire wheels unless it is properly rated. Definitely use eye protection. Not only does the debris come off fast, pieces of the wire bristles break off too.
David Teitelbaum

[nelshaun]

is it possible if i don't have Grind/cut/drill? is there any ways to remove the upper ball joints at the control arm sir?

[dmc]

Very sharp chisel and 3 pound hammer work well also. Then use a punch to drive them out.