71 front end, part 3

After deciding to replace the shock pin, I've taken on the task of removing the lower torsion arm. For the life of me I can't get the ball joint out of the steering knuckle. The nut came off with ease, but the ball joint bolt just won't come out. I've tried lots of liquid wrench, bent my balljoint removal tool, tried a small scissor jack between the 2 torsion bars, and of course the old propane torch. I'm at my wit's end, and taking this thing to a garage is out of the question as the bug is nestled snugly inside my crowded single car garage, snowed in and further impeded by the westfalia, which is also hibernating in the driveway.

Is it possible to re-pin this thing while still on the car?

My other option is to put the new shock on whats left of the pin, concede defeat and take the car to a garage in the spring.

Help!

Mike Kayer

Reply to
MK
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While you have the tool exerting as much pressure as possible, whack the side of the spindle forging (in line with the ball joint stud) with a stout hammer. You should be rewarded with a loud "bang" as the stud pops out. (Wear glasses)

Speedy Jim

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Reply to
Speedy Jim

Reminds me of the time I had to replace a steering knuckle on a non-aircooled car. Went to the junkyard to remove one from a donor vehicle. I had the pickle fork between the steering arm and the tie rod banging away on it, banging on the end of the bolt, etc. Junkyard owner walked by with another customer and told me just to whack the side of the steering knuckle a couple times and it should just "jump right out".

I doubted his advice, but waited until he was out of sight and tried it. I was loading the now free steering knuckle in the trunk of my other car just a couple minutes later.

Malcolm '69 Bug (Gus) '71 SB (Herbie)

Reply to
Malcolm

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