i've got the tie rod removed and both upper control arms and bottom rear comtrol arm removed but im stuck on getting out the lower front comtrol arm... do i need to detach the strut where it connects to the lower control arm in order to take out the hub housing to replace the wheel bearing?

thanks

 

Not necessarily to remove the housing but it may help to unbolt the strut and the swaybar end link so you can twist and rock the control arm. Also, use a hammer to hit the housing around the front lower ball joint - that can help break it free. Finally if you can, thread another nut onto the ball joint shaft (save your original for reuse) and blast it with a hammer to drive it out of the housing.

Don't forget the end axle bolt and pull back the wheelwell liner to unplug the speed sensor. You can leave that installed as it won't be in the way of the press.

 

im bought a ball joint separator from harbor freight last night and the opening on the top isnt wide enough to get on there all the way. going to return it right now for a 3 lbs sledge, i broke the hammer i was using last night. but ya man that thing is in there really tough. its the only part thats still connected. if i cant get it off in an hour im just going to take the housing and control arm still attacted.

 

I got the same tool and I got it to fit by widening the opening with a Dremel, but it still didn't work well because it only got the end of the screw of the ball joint to be even with the bottom of its mating surface. It was still in there quite good. I ended up buying one of the tools from Ebay that looks like a squared off C clamp. It was easily the most annoying ball joint I have ever done.

 

EFFFING F.... i hear ya, i was thinking about making it wider but instead i returned it and got a 4 lbs sledge, going out there right now... ill post result

 

4 lbs sledge, you are my life saver!!!

It only took 3 hits! Off and now im going to the dealership to have the pressing done. My friend is a tech there.

however i will be replacing the front lower control arm in the near future because in the frustration last night i missed with a smaller hammer and tore the rubber joint boot, is there any kind of rubber cement i can use to mend it temporarily?