Can't remove lower control arm balljoint from knuckle

[SVT_CT]

I am replacing my steering knuckle/hub/bearing assembly in my 99 SVT (using the How-To posted by Ray on 4/1/05). Right now I am trying to pry the lower control arm down to remove the ball joint from the knuckle and not having any luck. I've even put all my weight on a it with a pry bar (230lbs) and bounced on it -- with no luck. Does anyone know any tricks/tips that would help?

Steps already done
- removed wheel + axle nut
- removed caliper and hung it out of way
- removed rotor + wheel speed sensor
- removed tie rod end
- removed pinch bolt holding ball joint into bottom of steering knuckle
- removed pinch bolt securing top of knuckle to strut

 

[BrApple]

take a chisel to the hub at the flange around the strut and the ball joint and open it up some, then move the hub as high as possible on the strut then pry down on the control and to get the ball joint to separate

 

[getsum111]

Yep. That's what I did to increase the gap of the crack in the knuckle. This will give a bit more room to slide it down. And PB Blaster is your friend.:laugh:

 

[MaddMike2]

Did you drive the ball joint pinch bolt all the way out? If you have, there is a split in line with the ball joint shaft. Put a large cold chisal or old screw driver in it and spread it a bit it should come out.

 

[SVT_CT]

I got it! I used chisels, screwdrivers, etc to open up both pinch "joints", added a bunch of PB blast and just worked it until it came off.

Thanks for the tips guys.

 

[getsum111]

Good deal. Good luck w/ the repair.