I couldn't find any information using the 'search' on this. Is there a special tool that has the proper clearance to press out and replace the lower ball joint, front wheel,and allows you to remove the ball joint without removing the knuckle from car?

Do you need to remove the knuckle?

95 EX, 2.2 4cyl, auto, abs, faded red paint

 

I think a good tool to use on ball joints is a pickle fork. It looks like a thick hot dog roaster...haha. As for the knuckle you will probably just have to undo the bolt on the ball joint and lift the knuckle up and off of it, they can be a PITA because of corrosion.

 

I am referring to removing the ball joint from the knuckleand replacing the ball joint with a new one. I think this involves a special tool topressout/in the ball joint.

 

Ah, yes, I believe you can rent the tool at Checker or AutoZone... I pressed mine in with a piece of pipe and a vise, but it was not easy or recommneded.

 

I just returned the tool to Advanced auto part because it has no reciever tube, that doesn't block the joint from coming out. I took the entire knuckle to a shop and asked them. They want to remove my 6 month old bearings (thus ruining those) so they could get away with not buying the correct tool. I did this job myself with a large screw driver and a hammer six months ago, But hoped to do it with a real press this time to avoid ruining the part. However the only shop I can find that will press these in wants $120 for each side, AFTER I already removed the knuckle. Has anyone here ever really used one of these rental kits? Because I tried a number of combinations of cups and every one blocks the joint from sliding out?

 

Well if you have a large vise and some pipe you could do it. I did. I pressed mine in and out with a large socket. Took some work, but it worked great.

Tell that shop to take that price and shove it. It's only 15 min of labor each side, MAX. So that's like $40.