I'm about to replace my ball joints on the front end. The process seems simple enough so here'* my question. Do you need a press kit to get the joint back into the knuckle? Auto zone has a loaner, but could i just put it up in there by hand and then tighten the castle up to get it tight? It'* a '92 (195k miles) with the original joints (well, at least they are riveted on anyways)

Split from:

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...r=asc&start=20

Press kit not needed.

Ball joints sound easy. In reality if you have the factory rivets holding your ball joints in place..you'll need to use an air chisel, drill or torch to get them out. Once the rivets are out..yes..it'* easy.

well, here'* my new problem. i jacked up the car, took off the tire, the caliper and the rotor for good measure, got the castle off, got the pickle fork in to seperate the joint from the knuckle. BUT. I did not disconnect the control arm as it probably hasnt been removed since leaving the factory and it is all but impossible to get off with hand tools. i can seperate the joint and get it most of the way out of the knuckle. what i didn't count on was the amount off force the control arm has pushing up. if i stand on it, i can push it down, but its going to come right back up. is there any way to get the damn thing to relax? even if i could drill out the rivets with the joint still partially in the knuckle, i dont think it would b a good idea b/c the control arm is going to smash up into the cv boot if the ball joint goes away. does anyone know what i'm talking about and have a suggestion?

I know exactly what you are talking about. Push the strut/spindle assembly backwards toward the rear of the car. It shouldn't hit and hurt the boot.