OMT Ball Joint Removal Tool Kit User Manual
- May 15, 2024
- OMT
Table of Contents
Ball Joint Removal Tool Kit
User Manual
V20231009
Read Carefully Before Use
Keep for Future Reference
Safety Information
DANGER!
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The instructions provided herein are only for general information. ALWAYS perform all repairs in full compliance with your vehicle’s service manual. After any repair, test your engine and vehicle in your workshop and at low speed before returning to normal use. Failure to do so may result in serious property damage and severe personal injury.
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ONLY use this product for its intended purpose, separating press-in ball joints.
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DO NOT allow use by children, by persons whose mental or physical condition precludes safe use, or by persons unfamiliar with this product and its compatible vehicle systems. Do not use while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that negatively affects your judgment or reflexes. Keep children and bystanders away during use.
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Keep your work site clean and well lit. Cluttered and dark work areas invite accidents.
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For best results, keep the kit clean and dry. Remove any fluid, oil, or grease before and after work.
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ALWAYS use personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable to your task. Always wear ANSI and OSHA-approved eye, breathing, and hand protection while using this product. Normal use of this product typically produces microscopic particles known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Nonslip footwear is also highly recommended. Other equipment such as ear, head, and body protection may also be necessary depending on your work, work environment, and other equipment.
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Dress properly for automotive servicing. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry and keep hair, clothing, gloves, hoses, and tools away from any moving parts during use.
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ALWAYS know and understand the specific safety warnings and instructions for your vehicle before using this kit. Use the correct fluids, pressures, adapters, etc. for your vehicle. Make sure the vehicle is fully supported and parked before beginning any work. Take care to never touch any heated surface with exposed skin.
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Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
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DO NOT use excessive pressure with this product and do not force it or its attachments. Lubricate the threads and drive head of the thrust bolt with each use, but do not allow lubricant to reach the position of contact between the press assembly and the part.
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DO NOT overdrive the thrust bolt, as this may mar the control arm of your vehicle.
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Maintain this product. Check for misalignment, binding, wear, or other damage before use. If any damage is detected, repair or replace the problematic components before further use.
In a large shop, mark such tools “DO NOT USE” until they have been repaired. Only replace components with identical parts. -
DO NOT use excess force when using the hook, as your prying rod may warp your vehicle’s control arm. Use penetrating oil if the parts bind too tight.
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Automotive repair is an inherently dangerous activity. This manual and the separate vehicle service manual cannot cover all possible situations that may arise, and training, common sense, and care must be supplied by the operator.
Specifications
| Separator | Material | 40 CR Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Drive | ¾” | 19 mm |
| Dimensions | 4.3×3.2 | 110×80 mm |
| Hook | Material | 40 CR Steel |
| Dimension | 4.2×3.8×0.5 in. | 105x95x12.5 mm |
Parts List
| No. | Item | Qty. |
|---|---|---|
| A | C-Frame | 1 |
| B | Thrust Bolt | 1 |
| C | Thrust Bolt Nut | 1 |
| D | Hook | 1 |
Not Included but Necessary
Socket, Ratchet, Torque, and Extension Wrenches
Socket Air Tools
Needle Nose Pliers
Screwdrivers
Tire Iron| Side Cutters
Hammer
Shop Towels
Rust Penetrant
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Operation
Separating the Ball Joint and Knuckle
- Hoist or lift your vehicle to a height suitable for the servicing, following the protocols for using a car lift.
- Use side cutters to remove the cotter pin that’s securing the fastening nut.
- Use a socket wrench to remove the fastening nut.
- Use a socket wrench to remove the axle nut.
- Push the axle back through and loosen the knuckle assembly, moving it to gain access to the ball joint.
- Refer to the picture for a basic understanding of where things are.
- Locate your lower control arm and hook the hook over the control arm. Feed your pry bar (not included) through the hanging hook as shown and press it firmly against the control arm so you have a steady leverage.
- Press the bar with steady force, applying penetrating oil if the knuckle binds to firmly too the ball joint until the lower control arm separates from the knuckle. You will hear a crisp, clear snap when the stud pops loose from the lower control arm.
- Push the axle shaft back through the hub assembly. You may need to use an axle press and a socket wrench to get things started because often the axle can become dry or stuck over time. Make sure you can swing the axle shaft clear and prop it up (perhaps with a piece of wood or a tool). This frees up the lower ball joint.
- Push the outer CV joint back through the hub assembly to loosen it up, but make sure you don’t pull the inner CV joint out of the transmission. You only want to remove the knuckle and assembly.
- Remove the axle press with the socket wrench.
- Remove the knuckle and the strut assembly out so your press can access the ball joint.
Removing the Ball Joint
- Remove the rubber boot by knocking it off with a hammer and screwdriver. The new ball joint comes with a new boot so you don’t have to worry about protecting the old one. Clean off the exposed ball joint stud with a shop rag.
- Your ball joint remover should have arrived preassembled. If not, drive the thrust bolt (B) into the C-frame (A) until it sticks out and fit the thrust bolt nut (C) onto the bolt.
- Clamp the ball joint to be removed with the tool, making sure that the thrust bolt presses against and perfectly aligns with the bottom housing of the ball joint.
- Run the remover inwards to press out the old ball joint by turning the thrust bolt clockwise.
If it comes out cleanly with the press, just double check that there are no edges to be concerned about on the steering knuckle, and no hidden damage.
Maintenance
- Check for smooth movement and secure connections before each use. Never use this tool if any part is found to be loose, bound, worn, or damaged. Tighten, lubricate, repair, or replace all such components before further use. Only use identical parts for replacement.
- Clean the components of this kit after each use. Do not use caustic chemicals or harsh abrasives.
- If this kit will ever be unused for an extended period, clean all components, place them in their storage case, and store in a cool dry location inaccessible to children and away from direct sunlight.
Contact Us
Thank you for choosing our products! If you have any questions or comments, contact us at [email protected] and we’ll resolve your issue ASAP!
For a .pdf copy of the latest version of these instructions, use the appropriate app on your smartphone to scan the QR code to the right.