I am using a pickle fork. Drivers side easily comes out with a few hits but the passengers side is a PITA. Am I missing something? I have been pounding on it from different angles for awhile with no luck.
Thanks Mike

Try this. If you have room, back it up with another heavy hammer.

Thanks will try!!
Mike

The key to the pickle fork method or even hammer onto knuckle method. The piece you are hitting must be solid or held solid. If not all the force from the hammer goes into moving the fork instead of driving it in.

Just like hammering a nail into wood. If the wood is not on something solid, like you are holding it. The nail will not drive in.

Sometimes it easier to just unbolt the idler arm and separate them on the floor.

Using the correct tool helps a ton. All you have to do is tighten the jaws with a wrench and then pop it lightly with a hammer and it breaks free.

That's the method I use, taught by older mechanics. So simple and works so well.

I use a puller... a simple tool with screw and pull arms. I have a couple sizes. From memory, the one that works on that joint is an AZ sourced generic tool. Set it up, put some pressure on the puller and if that does not do it, a light hit with a hammer always does. Even on ancient joints. Leave the nut on loose to catch the parts when they pop.

The trick is to pick the puller so it can fit, put pressure on the joint and not tear up the boot.

A pickle fork almost always works... but with collateral damage. No thanks!

Agree. The pickle fork is only for wrecking yard use where you don't care what you damage. If you are working on your own car then use the correct tool.

Only way to do it imo

Harbor freight ball joint separator. Load it up and just tap it with a hammer.

Yep, if the hammer alone doesn't do it this does and no damage.

I use my pickle fork when my garage door sticks. Not good for anything else.

I do have a small puller and a good Hammer. Will let you know which one does the trick!
Thanks Mike

Use the combination, create tension with the puller, then hit with the hammer. It will come out.

Throw the pickle fork in the junk metal pile.

Get one of these pullers.





Turn the bolt until you think it won't take any more and whack the link as close as possible to the joint. It'll pop right off.

I agree with tossing the fork in the trash, but get a SET of pullers in as many sizes as possible and do as Feets says.
It's the right way!

Yep, been using this method for years. It even works on the upper ball joint, especially if you leave tension on the torsion bar to assist (just be sure to leave on the castle nut).

Get that puller too, it really works well.

The pickle fork makes a good door stop/wedge and kindling splitter.

HF has a multi size set for as good price. Has worked for all my needs. Teeth that grip the item you are attempting to pul could be a bit thinner, but has yet to fail me.

Agreed, a HF one & trim the jaws slightly as/if needed for a dead on grip/fit & as said put some tension on with that & hit both sides at the same time with good sized hammers. Any issue as was said I pull the whole assy & get it on the bench for a less damaging breakdown. Hammers are always my last resort but are needed on occaision