front suspension assembly removal

[superrandomguy]

i have the ford cd...followed all the instructions.


it's come down to separating the knuckle from the lower ball joint....and it seems to be impossible without using a spring compressor


do i even need to separate the lower ball joint from the knuckle if i compress the spring enough (or torque the LCA down enough) to get some play and pull out the strut? (also my strut seems to be incredibly stuck inside of the wheel hub)


am i doing something wrong/am i crazy? reading through previous posts i've heard many things so i just want clarification if possible


i'm removing a blown koni adjustable/eibach spring if that makes any difference.

 

[Andy W.]

Once you have popped the knuckle loose, pry up on the spring perch and it should come out.

-Andy

 

[superrandomguy]

the problem i'm having (using a pickle fork) is that the spring is preventing me from fully detaching the knuckle because it will only let me press so much.

I guess i'll give it a little more force and press down on the control arm more to see if itll come out.

and also i can maneuver it to get enough play between the spring/strut where the strut should start to slip out...but it doesnt even budge, i'm gonna hit it with more lubricant tonight and see if that helps too.

 

[superrandomguy]

finally got it out...had to hit the strut tower full force with a hammer to get it to come out of the knuckle...

at least i know i'm not crazy now.

 

[Thinkmoto]

Do yourself and your car a favor. get a deadblow hammer or a brass/copper hammer/bumper. That way you do less damage if a mi**** occurs.