Thread: Ball Joint tool. Which one?

Ball joints are factory so I need to replace since they are old as hell.
Went to auto zone and grabbed a Ball joint press.
This is the one that they gave me.
Ball Joint press

This was ridiculous to use and I couldn't get the bolt to stay in place to press down. So I went on the internet and found on a altima forum that they were telling this guy to use a 4x4 ball joint press. I am ordering it now from auto zone.
Here it is.
4x4 ball joint press

I am not certain if this will work but I guess I will see. Does anyone recommend a different tool that would make things easier?

I have used the 4x4 kit from autozone when i did my ball joints. That kit works well, however the tube part is a bit tight on our ball joints (atleast the ones I ordered) and i had to beat it off of the ball joint when it was done being pressed into place.

Well, I have been looking at different adapter cups for the compresion tool. I might have to see if they have different cups I can use.

OK, well got the ball joints out and put the new ones in. Just need to install the rings.
I will make a write up on it as soon as I get the snap rings on.

I read your post a few days ago and I meant to help you out, but i forgot to post, sorry. Anyways, I just did this myself a few months ago. I did ball joints, inner and outer tie rods. All the boots...etc. Obviously, you've already done it, but for me, i used what you got from AutoZone. The tool works, but its not a perfect fit as it's "universal" and probably made for bigger vehicles w/ bigger parts. I ended up switching the plates around. I played around w/ it a bit. There were no instructions or whatever on the diagram was worthless. I took off the ball joints by using the tool in different angles. At times, as I screwed, it would slide off as the ball joint itself would start to roll or angle when you put pressure on the joint. When installing, I used the tool to get enough pressure and as I did, I moved the attachment around the edges of the base of the ball joint to get it to press in correctly. Don't ask how i know. haha. The first time i did it, I was careless and I ended up pressing the ball joint in crooked and I kept pressing until the bottom popped out and broke!
The rings are easy, if you got the right tool. I bought one for $15. It's got different sized tips you put in at the end of the adjustable plier. The tool is pretty much a springed plier that lets you press in and out as opposed to regular pliers where it's just one way, clamp. The tips are for different hole size in the c clips.