I don't have access to a pair of snap ring pliers (without having to resort to buy the tool) to remove the snap ring from the lower ball joint on the control arm of my 92 Accord. Is there any other method that might work to get the snap ring off?
Also, to remove the old ball joint does it work to just take the boot off and put a big socket around the stud side of the ball joint and just pound/knock it through the control arm hole (in the case where I don't have any other special tool to accomplish that)? And if so, what size socket (so I could know whether I have that size).
Any advice/comments appreciated. Here's pictures of the top and bottom of the ball joint.

 

Update: I managed to get the snap ring off with needle nose pliers. Doesn't look to healthy inside there, the grease is all dried up and dirty looking.

 

So I wonder if I was to put the steering knuckle in a vice, and take about a 30 mm size socket (as shown in picture in post #6 here) and place it on this end of the ball joint, and pound down hard with a heavy hammer that I could get it out that way? Or are they so stuck in there tight sometimes that even this doesn't work? How about the idea of drilling it out? Or some other method? thanks

 

I discovered this kit might be available to be loaned out from my local Car Quest store. Looks like the way to go I think. Also should work good to put the new one in.

 

Take note that in the normal up/down orientation of the knuckle, the ball joint is pressed or pounded UPward. The snap ring prevents the ball joint from moving UPward. Now that the snap ring has been removed, you can simply pound the joint UPward (toward the axle shaft splined hole in your photo).

Yes, a heavy hammer really helps get that ball joint out of there.

 

Sorry in my earlier post here (post #3) I was referring/mentioning this photo but forgot to post it there.


So does it look as if I was to pound on that socket (or probably a longer one) with a heavy hammer that the pressed-in ball joint should come out? Or hard to say because sometimes or often they're too stuck in there? You did say "simply" but is it likely I might have to pound the crap out of it and it still won't budge?

 

You've got the right idea, but you probably will need a big ...um..FAT hammer.

Once it begins moving, then look for a slightly smaller socket that will fit through the hole to finish pushing it out.

PB Blaster and/or some heat on the knuckle??

 

Try to use impact sockets, if you've got them. They're more able to take the abuse.

Alternatively, just use an appropriately sized piece of iron pipe.

 

Recipe for success:
big FAT hammer
big hammer
PB blaster
1" socket
15/16" socket

Thanks JimBlake