1996 Subaru Outback Ball Joint

Tiny
LUKER
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 SUBARU OUTBACK
  • 4 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 211,000 MILES
I am replacing the ball joinsts on my '96 Outback Wagon. I removed the ball joint from the steering knuckle and control arm, installed the new one on the control arm, but cannot get the new ball joint back into the steering knuckle. I greased it a little, pryed on the pinch slot some, but can't get in. I'm afraid to hammer on it too hard for fear of breaking it. I pressed on it with the jack, but backed off because I'm afraid I'll push the car off the jack stands. Will it damage anything if I lower the car to the ground and try to let the weight of the car push it into the knuckle? Or do I just take a big hammer and pound on it until it goes in? Do you have any ideas or techniques?

Thanks,
LukeR
Monday, January 7th, 2008 AT 10:46 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Rent a ball joint press, some parts stores charge a small refundable fee for tool rental.
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Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 AT 2:35 AM

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