Hf Ball Joint Tool?

So, I'm not much for dropping my coins at HF but, I'm really tired of needing 3 hands to replace u joints. Someone here suggested using the HF ball joint tool since it makes it a job that needs only 2 hands.

1) Anyone else remember this or can comment on it?

2) Anyone have any real life experience with the HF ball joint tool?

Ball Joint Service Kit for 2WD and 4WD Vehicles

 

I have seen them cheaper at Harbor in the past although only used one for replacing ball joints , which I think it does a great job of doing that!.........I would check E-bay and others...........as all the kits seem to be coming from the same manufacture under different labels..............I do have a HF kit.............the large C-Clamp is the Key as the bushings and spacers may or may not fit your application or needs........no issues , as all you need to do is cut another piece of pipe to the length or size you need or in some cases I've modified the pieces in the kit.........pay attention to the sequence of which ball joint comes out first.......a good 1/2" impact works to drive the screw.........keep it lubricated........It's not a tool that you will use all the time , but when you need it sure is nice..........check around maybe a friend has one you can borrow.............Again have not used it to change U-joints.

 

I've used an OTC ball joint/U-Joint removal kit and it seems to be a good quality tool. Little more expensive than HF but I found out the hard way to buy the more expensive tool than go through a couple or more of the same tool to get a job done.

 

I used a HF ball joint tool to replace ball joints with. It was trash, but not a whole lot more junk than the competitors brands of similar price point. I actually bent the tool. The threads are regular cut and not acme threads and very imprecisely cut. I got one change out of it, and that was not without problem.

I took it back. I would assume the snap on or similar brands would be of higher quality with a price to match.

I use a vise and sockets to press in and out Ujoints. I have used C clamps before, but a vise is my favorite tool for the job.

 

I change u-joints in minutes with a big hammer and a large vise. If you just strike the outside of the housing hard, the cups will lift up.

 

If they have been changed in the last 40 years! This is how i generally do it too. I had a blazer that would eat ujoints. The last tie I changed them before it went to the junk yard, i pushed out the cups with my fingers. Totally got my moneys worth out of that vehicle.

 

I usually use a vise and sockets to push the u joints in and out. Takes three hands and I almost always end up mad and frustrated. I'll use a hammer and socket sometimes if they won't push with the vise at first. Don't like doing it that way but, I have.

Everything around here that has seen any winter duty ends up with rusty u joints/yokes etc. So, it can often be a chore and a struggle to replace u joints in older vehicles. At the very least, it seems harder than it should be.

The HF tool is on sale right now for 69 bucks. I was just thinking of grabbing one. Then, I think about devising my own press for them but, that seems stupid to build something that takes up room and is rarely used. I think sometimes I just want to design and build crap. Apparently they pay some people pretty well for doing that.

Maybe I'm just really bored recently.

 

Go on Ebay.........there are several sets starting below $40 bucks..........Sure there all Junk........but being a little smarter to make it work and survive is what it's all about........... On U-joints when you change them put a very , very light coating of anti-seize on the OD of the bearing or in the joint bore.....as it will come apart much easier the next time after the winter salt attacks it.........or as we have learned on the class 8 trucks using 18 series joints we continue to grease and purge the joint monthly regardless of mileage.......This keeps moisture out of the joint and clean fresh grease lubricating which will allow the joint to last for years.

 

No tool or third hand needed.

 

Yep...

 

I have used the otc version and it worked fine. I only rented it but if i was going to spend the money to buy it i would spend a little more and get a shop press.

 

Can't get a shop press on the truck though. Replacing bad joints without removing the entire assembly from the vehicle is nice. If only the tools came with acme threads.. like a c clamp.. cut to a bit tighter tolerance..

 

I just got a coupon email today from Harbor Freight and they have a coupon for the ball joint tool kit for $69.99.

 

That's why I'm asking now. I got the same coupon.

 

ive seen a dumpster full of bent hf ball joint presses, buy a good one. the joy of a low price is overwhelmed by the taste of poor quality.

 

You are not supposed to chew on them.

 

A neighbor came by about 2 weeks ago to see if I could give him some pointers on replacing ball joints. He had been working for over an hour with his "new" HF balljoint press. The tool was racked/twisted kinda sideways, and the threads were galled. Neither balljoint had budged, but the tool was now worthless.
I got under there with a 2lb sledge and smacked the spindle a couple times and had everything apart in under 2 minutes.
That HF press was worse than not having the tool. Even if they are guaranteed, the frustration level is not worth the effort.
Change u-joints in a vise, or with a big fine thread C-clamp if still on the vehicle. A well place smack of a hammer will unseat most balljoints and tie rod ends.
-Donny

 

So with you on this tool review. Fits my experience exactly.