I need to replace my upper ball joint on the passenger side of my
96 xjs convertible. can I use a floor jack to compress the spring?
Also, will I need a fork type ball joint splitter or can I use a
pickle fork? Thanx for replies in advance.–
sandy potter
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In reply to a message from sandy potter sent Sat 27 Mar 2010:
Yes, I used a floor jack plus an axle stand for safety, under the
spring pan.
The balljoints are not expensive so you might want to think about
doing both upper and lower ones at the same time.–
1990 XJ-S V12 Convertible, 86 XJ6, 01 XJ8
Santa Clara, CA, United States
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Sandy,
Yes to all. A floor jack is sufficient for this little challenge. And I always just use a pickle fork to separate them from the steering knuckle. Keep a close eye on your shims that are between the upper control arm halves and the ball joint. Returning the correct number and size to the proper sides of the joint will minimize alignment problems.
Earl Kiker
89 XJS Conv/Lucas
97 VDP
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Earl Kiker wrote:
A floor jack is sufficient for this little challenge.
And I always just use a pickle fork to separate them from the steering
knuckle.
Actually, sometimes the pickle fork isn’t even necessary. Leave the
bolts through the fork tight but loosen the big nut on the tapered
shaft of the ball itself about two full turns. Lower the jack under
the upright until the suspension bottoms out, which means the upper A-
arm is against its stops and the spring is pulling on the upper ball
joint. Sometimes a couple of judicious taps with a hammer will bust
it loose. Sometimes it pops loose by itself as soon as you lower the
jack! Even if the pickle fork is necessary, you don’t have to whack
very hard on it.
When it comes loose, it’ll only fall until it hits that nut. Then
you can go ahead and remove the nut and the bolts and change out the
ball joint.
– Kirbert
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