Trying to replace the axles on a 2000 Park Ave, I thought there was a thread around here somewhere but, I can't seem to find it. I am having trouble getting the lower ball joints to come apart. I smacked it with a hammer (that worked on my Bonne) but , no joy. Any suggestions?

Pickle fork, or bang it hard on the lower part of the joint with a heavy hammer, a good 5lb one should work, do not hit it near the threads though.

I usually drive a cold chisel between the top of the rivet(of the lower ball joint) and the bottom of the knuckle to release the ball joint....

You were absolutely right! I attached a 3' piece of pipe to the lower control arm. Put a steady pressure on the pipe with my foot and drove a cold chisel between the rivet and the steering knuckle and waalah!!! That poping sound is like music to my ears. If you do it this way be sure to leave the castle nut on the last couple threads so you don't fall on your butt when she lets go.

It looks like the axle grease was coming out these small holes in the cv joint. I have had boots leak before but, I have never seen this.
Thank-you, Greg