mickytrus Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 Aye, I was just wondering......... I have done a ton of the ball joints on Loyales..... Not really much different....... (the vehicle is a 98 Outback) The only thing here...... Is that in the past I would pull the whole shaft and steering knuckle out of the vehicle and sorta do a complete disassembly............ etc etc...... WHat I would like to currently do in this situation with the Outback:::::::::::::::::::::::::; IS not remove the steering knuckle(hub assembly) or shaft ........ can you fill me in ...... Is there a method/procedure to just separate lower ball joint from control arm... and remove it from the steering knuckle with out doing anything else(or close to )..... Currrently::::::: I have the car up on stands.... all the tires are removed.... I am giving this ol' girl a "Belly Rub" for the winter climate conditions Thanks, MIcky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 Process is easy remove ball joint nut Remove pinch bolt and open knuckle flange a little. Done - easy If you live in rust belt they are sometimes a debacle to separate from the knuckle. Pinch bolts routinely shear off as well but thats far easier to deal with than some rust welded joints in knuckles. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike104 Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 (edited) Pretty much what ido said. There is a special tool to remove them http://www.company23.com/subarutools/532 Pinch bolts do tend to shear so heat is your friend. If you live in the rust belt be prepared for a fight. Some here with more experience that the two or three I have changed may have some additional tips. Getting the ball joint out of the control arm can be done in several ways, use a ball joint pickle fork, hit the control arm with a small sledge where the ball joint fits into, use a big pry bar to pull down on the control arm are some that I have seen/used. Edited January 2, 2018 by Mike104 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CNY_Dave Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 The home-made version of the puller is pretty easy to make. Northeast US, pinchbolt best tackled with an acetylene torch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickytrus Posted January 2, 2018 Author Share Posted January 2, 2018 Much Thanks!.... I will prepare fo' the worst and strive fo' the best! I'll soak them with some PbBlaster.... for a little while... and yeah make sure my tank eZ got some Acetylene in it...... Hopefully, I can Wrangle it out without the tool.... But, a nice tool it is at that!...... good to know....... Micky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickytrus Posted January 3, 2018 Author Share Posted January 3, 2018 So,,,,,, Looks like I gotta rip one side completely down.......... Wheel bearings are toasted...... So I have some questionsss?????? What is the size of the axle nut? (what is the torque on it too) I think I got this covered 32MM Can I reuse the nut? What about the tierod end nut ,,,,,,,,, It's not a castle nut(as what I am used to seeing) Can TIe Rod nut be reused?????? What about the hub.............. Car has 170K on it....... Basically What is the best way to go about this I have seen some sorta wheel hub kits out there..... Let me know what you think! Thanks, Micky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmdew Posted January 3, 2018 Share Posted January 3, 2018 If you end up needing good used hubs, - RUST FREE Colorado hubs let me know. $20 each + shipping. They may need the ball joint installed, but the pinch bolts are good. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msmithmmx Posted January 3, 2018 Share Posted January 3, 2018 (edited) Learn from my mistake and get new knuckles from lmdew. If you go for the rebuild then read my misfortune first http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/162275-knuckle-rebuild-after-ball-joint-pinch-bolt-snapped/ My two cents.. If you have the knuckle out now is the time to replace tie rod ends inner and outer. I would replace the hub if you are going with a new bearing. Less then 25 bucks on Amazon. Those parts come with new nuts. You can reuse as needed. I would go for a new cotter pin on the ball joint castle nut. Edited January 3, 2018 by msmithmmx 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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