Can't separate spindle from Lower Control Arm

[MSheff]

I am trying to separate my spindle and Lower Control Arm at the ball joint. Used my air pickle fork tool, used my manual pickle fork (hit it harder than I really wanted to), feels like they are welded together. I know I have read a trick for this on this site, but can't seem to find it. Can someone fill me in on the technique or point me to the right place?

Thanks!

[Robertosvo]

It really is not a pickle fork type job
the best is to hit the spindle part surrounding the taper of the balljoint while a bar is forcing the two apart
and it should break free

[Raven855]

Roberto's right. Force the fork in there and set some harmonics throu the spindle. If all else fails, go rent the tool at your local Napa to remove the ball joint from the spindle. Even then you may end up using a combination of all three.

[qikgts]

Keep hammering on it. You'll win eventually. A little heat may help things along too.

[MSheff]

Got it separated this evening. I took the a-arm and spindle off the car (a-arm and spindle attached to each other). Put a bearing separator under the spindle and around the ball joint. Opened my vice and placed the spindle where it rested on the jaws and the a-arm dangling underneath. The vice not clamped to anything, just being used as a resting place. Hit the top of the ball joint with my 2 pound hammer... hard and presto, they popped right apart. You were right qikgts, I did finally win!

Thanks all!

[qikgts]

YES!

And I'm sure the cold beverage you had to celebrate the W tasted a bit better than usual too!

[MSheff]

Amazing how fast your mood changes with the slightest amount of success!

[qikgts]

Amazing how fast your mood changes with the slightest amount of success!

That's the spirit!