I've got a '96
Lesabre on which I'm trying to replace the CV joints. Everything was
going smoothly until I tried to separate the ball joints. Does anybody
have any advice in this area? The first one I've gotten to seems to be
frozen solid. Thanks.</span>

I've got a '96 Lesabre on which I'm trying to replace the CV joints. Everything was going smoothly until I tried to separate the ball joints. Does anybody have any advice in this area? The first one I've gotten to seems to be frozen solid. Thanks.


Have you tried a ball joint separator? If not you can borrow one from most parts houses or just purchase one.

No, I haven't yet tried a ball joint separator. The manual suggested
that as a last resort, stating that it would probably tear the rubber
boot covering the joint. I was under the impression that if that were
to happen, I would be looking at replacing the ball joint which entails
drilling out the rivets fastening the old one and bolting on a new
joint.



Is there a way to use the ball joint separator without destroying the boot?



Thanks

No, I haven't yet tried a ball joint separator. The manual suggested that as a last resort, stating that it would probably tear the rubber boot covering the joint. I was under the impression that if that were to happen, I would be looking at replacing the ball joint which entails drilling out the rivets fastening the old one and bolting on a new joint.

Is there a way to use the ball joint separator without destroying the boot?

Thanks



Not sure, but I don't believe the new one will come with a boot. I just replaced one on my 2002 and it did not have a boot.

Might try banging on a old nut partly screwed to the top of the ball joint..
I use a 4lb sledge on my own car, lightly but frown on that myself.
The seperator tool is a C clamp affair... J 363226... part #

Maybe a loaner at a Parts store...

Good luck.

Here is what ball joint separators look like:


uploads/buckroo/EB614_w89310-2.jpg


There are different sizes for different vehicles.