I need to get my track rod ends off to change the steering gaiters.
Can someone please post a link to a good ball joint separator, no gucci snap-on stuff but no cheese either!
Thanks
Recommend me a ball joint separator
Moderator: martauto
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TheMoney
- E30 Zone Newbie

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320i PBMW track car
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cecotto479
- Caution Unreliable Seller

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Two hammers has never failed for me.
1981 E23 735i
1989 E30 325i Motorsport Convertible
Bavarian Retro - Classic BMW Cars, Parts and Accessories - 12.5% discount for forum members on E30 parts - use voucher code "E30zone" at checkout
1989 E30 325i Motorsport Convertible
Bavarian Retro - Classic BMW Cars, Parts and Accessories - 12.5% discount for forum members on E30 parts - use voucher code "E30zone" at checkout
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Brianmoooore
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You don't need to remove the track rod ends from the steering arms to change the rack gaiters.
Just turn the track rods until they unscrew from the rod ends.
Tracking will need to be set afterwards, but count the turns, so that you get it approximately right when you put it back together.
Just turn the track rods until they unscrew from the rod ends.
Tracking will need to be set afterwards, but count the turns, so that you get it approximately right when you put it back together.
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mcbonio
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My cab just failed its MOT on exactly this, I just used this from halfrauds. Easy to use.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_255216
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_255216
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Jos
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this, if it's not coming loose you aren't hitting it hard enough.cecotto479 wrote:Two hammers has never failed for me.
'89 Touring - slightly rippled with a rusty underside
'94 e36 tree climber
'94 e36 tree climber
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TheMoney
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Thanks, bought it.mcbonio wrote:My cab just failed its MOT on exactly this, I just used this from halfrauds. Easy to use.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_255216
I am no good with hammers and brute force stuff I need tools!
Thanks everyone.
320i PBMW track car
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Jos
- E30 Zone Camper

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don't attempt your rear subframe then 
'89 Touring - slightly rippled with a rusty underside
'94 e36 tree climber
'94 e36 tree climber
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DanThe
- E30 Zone Team Member

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If you use copper slip around a clean ball joint before fitting you dont need to hammer the f**k out of it if you ever need to separate it.
I would use Brians explained method, but mark the track rod and end with a hacksaw so that it goes back on in exactly the same place.
I would use Brians explained method, but mark the track rod and end with a hacksaw so that it goes back on in exactly the same place.
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Alburglar
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Get the scissor type ball joint splitter, preferably with long arms, and you will never have to hit anything again. You will also never damage a ball joint baited ever again. This one is a tenner
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120703206061?redirect=mobile
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120703206061?redirect=mobile

M42 - rightness! with proper 4.27 LSD
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DanThe
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They are great if you dont mind repairing threads on ball joints..
But better than splitting gaitors with the hammer in fork type, or smashing the f00k out of the hub with a lump hammer
But better than splitting gaitors with the hammer in fork type, or smashing the f00k out of the hub with a lump hammer
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mcbonio
- E30 Zone Squatter

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The cup type is best, pop it over, wind the nut down and pop.! Easy, and you don't damage the boot on the joint.
