Suspension tips and tricks Save time, increase profts with these savvy solutions By Mike Mavrigian
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n this brief article, we highlight a few suspension service tools, along with guidance tips for specifc vehicle applications, as well as must-know wheel fastening tips.
Civic, 1990-2002 Accord, 1988-91 & 199698 Prelude, 1995-97 Odyssey; and 1988-95 Acura Legend, 1992-2001 Integra and 19962003 TL.
Mobile hydraulic press As with many tools, components, system designs and techniques, there’s “old school,” and there’s “new school.” When it comes to servicing suspension bushings, ball joints and wheel bearings, traditional methods of separating interference-ft bushings, joints and bearings typically involve pickle forks and hammers, manual or hydraulic pullers, scissors/clamshell ball joint separators and the like. A “new school” approach (this one from Schley Products) involves an all-in-one mobile hydraulic press system that apparently does it all with a minimum of fuss. The 11000A features an air-powered hydro pump with foot control.
Honda/Acura ball joint tool Schley Tools has introduced a unique lower ball joint service tool specifcally for Honda/Acura applications. The new tool allows removal and installation of the lower ball joints on the car, eliminating the need to remove the steering knuckle and using a stationary press. The tool features two main parts that attach to an air hammer (remover and installer tools). The installer tool couples with one of three different sizes of installer heads that drive the new joint into place without damage. The tool system covers 1991-97 Honda
A new tool from Schley Tools makes it easier to remove and install lower ball joints on Hondas and Acuras and eliminates the need to remove the steering knuckle.
Pivot-jaw ball joint separator The “scissors” or “pivot-jaw” type ball joint separator features two forged halves that share a common pivot point. A cupped-out seat engages on the opposite side of the joint from the stud and the driver side of the tool jaw engages the stud tip. As the captive threaded bolt at the opposite end of the tool is tightened, the jaws that capture the joint compress, popping the interference-ft joint out of its home. The tip of the adjuster bolt features a ball bearing to prevent the stud from digging into the tool’s drive end as the bolt is rotated. The pivot point features two choices (pop the pivot pin out, adjust for a tighter or wider jaw distance and reinsert the pin into the appropriate pivot hole). The tool is adjustable to accommodate up to a two-inch
52 | May/June 2013
