The thing about dealing with the lower ball joint in the ball-joint adapter
is that the surface you press against is at a 45 degree angle to the
force of the press.  I have a simple hacked-together press and carried
the ball-joint + adapter over to the press and looked at it for a while
and then put it back in the car until I can park the car and take the
joint + adapter somewhere to get it done ;)

I could probably have cut a piece of pipe on a 45 degree angle but
it wasn't feasible at the time, I think it was about to rain or snow
or something!

        Gary

On Sat, 27 Nov 1999, Stuart wrote:
> Gary,
>
> Haven't had to do that job, my joints are okay, except for my knees!
> I'm waiting for them to perfect knew "ball joints" for knee replacement!
>
> Bentley shows a "squeezing" device, but a tie rod puller like Eastwood
> sells might also work.  There usually is a way to do these things
> without the VW tools.  Independent shops probably can't get VW tools
> easily, or don't want to pay for them.  Snap-On will probably have
> something equivalent but also expensive.  You have to pay for their
> lifetime guarantee.
>
> Part of the fun of having a press and making it useful is collecting
> pieces of pipe in various diameters, old generator cases, most anything
> cylindrical and strong.  It looks like the Bentley shows a large piece
> of pipe cut in half the long way to support the steering knuckle while
> pressing in the joint.  Figuring out how to support all these odd pieces
> while pressing is part of the fun!
>
> Stuart
>
> Gary Shea wrote:
> >
> > Stuart, have you used your press to push the lower ball joint out
> > of the 'ball joint adapter' on the '80-83 or so vanagons?  It seems
> > pretty tricky...
> >
> >         Gary
> >
> > On Sat, 27 Nov 1999, Stuart wrote:
> > > No serious do it yourself Vanagon owner with more than 130,000 miles on
> > > the clock should be without one of these!  CV joints, upper control arm
> > > busings, and ball joint replacements are a breeze with this tool.  You
> > > can find them for $130-$150 (Taiwan made,  more than adequate for the do
> > > it yourselfer), and they are worth it.  Shipping will add a bit as you
> > > get farther east, but look for those little tool stores in your area.
> > >
> > > I have had one for about 5 years now and have paid for it twice over
> > > between my MGBs and Vanagon.
> > >
> > > Stuart
> > >
> >
> > -----------------------------------------------------------------
> > Gary Shea                                       shea@xmission.com
> > Salt Lake City                      http://www.xmission.com/~shea
>

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Gary Shea                                       shea@xmission.com
Salt Lake City                      http://www.xmission.com/~shea