Rear upper control arm is stuck.....

1988 HONDA ACCORD
242,000 MILES
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DUSABRIVE
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I'm replacing the rear upper control arm; but the stem of the ball joint(located on the far end of the control arm)has fused into the opening of the rear wheel knuckle. There is no nut or cotter pin remaining. The ball joint bolt has broken off flush with the knuckle. It's rigid, not movable and fused inside the knuckle opening.

What's the best way to remove it so that I can replace the entire control arm? Would heating the knuckle with a propane torch work?

Thank You.
Feb 28, 2012 at 10:57 AM
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SATURNTECH9
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 30,869 POSTS
So do you still have that broken bolt holding the ball joint in place?If so your going to have to get a punch and knock the bolt out.I would try a penertrant like pjb blaster liquid wrench etc and let that soak in for a while.Then try a tie rod or ball joint pickle fork which ever fits better and see if it will pop loose that way.If that does work then a propane torch to heat it up.You may end up changing the knuckle also if its too frozen.
Feb 28, 2012 at 11:14 AM
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