So I searched and read through the forums about the 555 upper ball joints. My question is...can those uppers be replaced using the clamp style tool (link below) or is a Floor press required?
Clarification on ball joint replacement (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Pucker5
- Start date
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Trunk Monkey
Moderator
Shop that did mine pulled the arms off and used a press. They even mentioned the small additional labor vs. using a clamp on car as the upper has a weird angle that pressing it out on vehicle is difficult to get a straight shot at.
I used the Harbor Freight 'c clamp' ball joint tool I've had for years. I couldn't do it on the vehicle. It was a pain off the vehicle, but once the joint started to seat it went in.
screendoor
SILVER Star
I was able to replace my upper ball joints on the vehicle with the OTC 7249 clamp after reading this post from @uHu . It was a pain in the rear. I don't think they are intended to be replaceable so it was tough to keep it lined up straight pressing it in. I had a ratchet strap pulling the control arm down to get just the right clearance for the OTC press. I used the flat side of one of the front bumper recovery points on the top side of the ball joint when pressing it in (I didn't have any other flat piece of metal that was thick enough).
