Impact Wrench To Remove C5 Front Lower Ball Joint?

[citrophile]

I need to replace the front lower balljoints on my C5 and have ordered the special socket to undo them but seen lots of info that they are a bu99er to slacken off, involving huge amounts of brute force and potentially damaged tools (and knuckles!!).

 

One suggestion I've seen is to use an impact wrench tool. What's the view on this? Seems like it could be an easier option and, if so, does anyone have a recommendaton for which one I buy. As it's probably going to get little use I don't want to spend a huge amount of cash on it, or get the wrong one.

 

Rob

 

[paul.h]

This impact wrench from Machine Mart is about the lowest cost high torque one I have seen without needing a compressor  https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/clarke-cew1000-electric-impact-wrench

[chris_h4922]

Evening, Can I ask if there was anything that made you want to change your ball joints? Thanks

[citrophile]

Yes, when I jacked the car up to take the wheel off and check the brakes, I noticed a lot of play in the ball joints.

 

Did them both last weekend. One was so badly worn it looked like it might have pulled out of the socket without much effort.

 

I bought the Clarke impact wrench and it made the job so much easier. One of those occasions when spending £60 for a tool was definitely worth it. Got them undone in seconds and don't think even a breaker bar and extension would have worked.

 

Rob

[paul.h]

What do you think of the Clark impact wrench ?

[citrophile]

It's a bit fierce, either in or off, no speed control. Also quite heavy and pretty big to the extent that I had to jack the car up even higher just to get it under the ball joint with the sockets etc.

 

Having said that, I'm glad I bought it as it certainly made the job easier. One of those tools that you will probably rarely use but when you need it you'll be thankful it's there.

 

Rob