Best ball joint splitter?

[MattB]

I need to remove both front upper balljoints from the hubs to replace split gaiters.

Is there a 'best' balljoint splitter for the job?

I did try a search of the forums but the search facility appears to be down.

MattB

[SamC]

Put a socket or a bolt between the bottom of the ball joint thread and the upright, then unwind the ball joint nut onto it with a spanner. That'll pop the ball joint out with ease.

[jbcollier]

Two hammers?  One hammer on one side, smack the other side of the link (that the ball joint is attached to) with the other hammer.  The shock will break the taper loose.  No fuss, no torn boots, no need for yet another special tool that you can't find when you need it.

[SM25T]

Nut and bolt as above. Simple and efficient.

[StevehS3]

I use the Gemzoe splitter. Discussed here https://www.caterhamlotus7.club/forum/splitting-top-ball-joint

[SLR No.77]

As above, get a Gemzoe splitter, it's a perfect well thought through solution.

[Jonathan Kay]

I think that the important information has already been posted upthread. but:

"I did try a search of the forums but the search facility appears to be down."

Try: https://duckduckgo.com/?q=site:caterhamlotus7.club+ball+joint+splitter

And "Search Facility".

Jonathan

[Guy Lowe]

Another vote for the Gemzoe splitter, great little tool.   

[BenF]

You don't need the Gemzoe splitter, if you use the method SamC recommends.

Try that first - it will cost you nothing, except a few minutes of your time and will save you buying an unnecessary tool.  You just need to find a socket which is the right height to fit between the nut and the upright.

[MattB]

Everyone - many thanks for your prompt and helpful replies.  I now have a way ahead, once Caterham are able to provide the gaiters.

Jonathan - thanks for the search help. I'm very happy using the website's own search function, it just doesn't seem to be available at all right now, returning a "The website encountered an unexpected error. Please try again later." message every time I enter a search on either my PC or my iPad.

MattB

[Guy Lowe]

Before I indulged myself in the extravagance of paying £45 for the Gemzoe tool   I made my own out of an old wheel nut & stud. But like SamC's suggestion, it is prone to slipping unlike the Gemzoe one.