Reddit mentions: The best steering & suspension tools
We found 75 Reddit comments discussing the best steering & suspension tools. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 48 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. GEARWRENCH Universal Ball Joint Separator - 3916D
- For separating the ball joint from the spindle support arm on domestic and import front wheel drive vehicles
- Adjustable for different size ball joints
- Suitable for most cars and light trucks (not intended for use on 3/4 ton or 1 ton trucks)
- Works on ball joints from 1-1/8” to 2-1/8” and 30 to 56mm in size
- Slot is 7/8" wide by 1-1/4" Deep
Features:
Specs:
Color | Original Version |
Height | 2.75 Inches |
Length | 11 Inches |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 5.25 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
2. OTC 6297 Ball Joint Separator
This tool is used to separate the ball joint from the spindle support armIt works on many domestic and import front wheel drive vehiclesIs adjustable up to 2" for different size ball jointsLifetime limited warranty
Specs:
Color | SILVER |
Height | 1.2992125971 Inches |
Length | 5.59842519114 Inches |
Weight | 0.0028439631798 Pounds |
Width | 10.99999998878 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
3. Mayhew 29915 Tie Rod Tool Repair Kit
Used to remove and mount inner tie rods on vehiclesFits 35-45mm tie rods with no additional interchangeable adaptersFor use on round, hexagonal and octagonal tie rodsExtended shaft and narrow profile allows for use in hard-to-reach and confined spacesUnlimited Lifetime Warranty
Specs:
Color | Multi |
Height | 1 Inches |
Length | 8 Inches |
Weight | 0.25 Pounds |
Width | 4 Inches |
Size | One Size |
Number of items | 1 |
4. EMPI 5770 Gland Nut / Axle Nut Socket 36mm with 1/2" Drive - VW Dune Buggy Bug Ghia Thing Bus T1 T2 T3
- Compatible with Volkswagen Based Dune Buggies
Features:
Specs:
Color | NULL |
5. MOOG Chassis Products K80065 Camber Adjusting Kit
- Product Type :Auto Part
- Package Dimensions :7.8" L X4.1" W X2.3" H
- Country Of Origin :China
- Package Weight :1.4Lbs
Features:
Specs:
Color | Regular |
Height | 2.4 Inches |
Length | 6 Inches |
Weight | 1.3 Pounds |
Width | 3.5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
6. Neiko 20600A Tire Spoon Levers, Motorcycle Bike Repair Tool | 11-1/2" Hardened Steel Irons, 2 Rim Protector Sheaths, 5 Piece Set
- CAR-TIRE LEVERS: Need some tire and wheel tools? The steel spoons in this tire-lever kit have curved tips that give you strong prying leverage for quick and simple removal of damaged truck, car, or motorcycle tires for easy self-repair.
- TIRE & WHEEL TOOLS: This 5-piece tire-changing kit has 3 tire spoons and 2 rim protectors for car and bike tires. Place the protectors on your tire rim and insert the levers above the protectors to leverage the rubber tire away from the rim.
- FIRM HANDLE GRIP: Each handle has a contoured rubber grip that helps prevent fatigue to your hands during prolonged use. When you need to change a flat tire, these car and motorcycle tire spoons can help get the job done.
- QUALITY MATERIALS: The rim protectors are constructed with a flexible polypropylene material that keeps your rims protected from damage, and the tire-spoon shafts have a polished chrome finish for smooth insertion into your tires.
- QUICK STORAGE: These tire-removal tools all fit inside an included brass-grommet hanging bag. You can easily transport them to and from your automotive jobs, and you can hang them from pegs in your workshop when they aren’t in use.
Features:
Specs:
Height | 1.1 Inches |
Length | 13.78 Inches |
Width | 4.9 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
7. Powerbuilt 648467 Tie Rod/Ball Joint Separator
- Drop-forged, heat-treated alloy steel wedge tool for separating tie rod ends
- 21/32-in tine opening
- Separates tie rod ends
- Drop-forged, heat-treated alloy steel wedge tool
- Lifetime warranty
Features:
Specs:
Color | Silver |
Height | 1 inches |
Length | 2.88 inches |
Weight | 2.27 Pounds |
Width | 18.5 inches |
Size | 21/32 in. |
Number of items | 1 |
8. UTMALL Quick Change Interchangeable Ball Joint Remover Puller Tool Set Tie Rod End Separator Remover Puller 20-30mm
- Innovative quick change and simple action for suitable fork
- Enable operator to select correct jaw size without taking entire extractor to the vehicle
- Jaw opening: 20, 22, 24, 27, 30 mm
- Thrust Screw Length: 100 mm
- Pivot Rod Length: 125 mm
Features:
9. Shankly 3 Piece Ball Joint Removal Tool and Ball Joint Separator Kit
- Shankly's 3 piece ball joint separator tool fork openings feature forged steel body with hardened screws and thrust ball to ensure this ball joint removal tool serves the mechanic over the long haul.
- Shankly's ball joints separator has 3 sizes of jaws: (1) 23mm x 54mm (2) 27mm x 54mm (3) 34mm x 63mm
- Shankly's ball joint remover features low profile design for use in confined spaces on a wide range of cars and light commercial vehicles.
- Supplied in handy carrying case to help store and transport this ball joint puller with ease.
- Shankly's ball joint tool kit features 3 useful fork openings suitable for Audi, BMW, Ford, Chrysler, Opel, SAAB, Volvo, VW, Nissan and Toyota. Fork openings may fit other vehicles but please measure vehicle fork openings prior to purchasing this ball joint separator kit.
Features:
Specs:
Height | 11 Inches |
Length | 14 Inches |
Weight | 6.61386786 Pounds |
Width | 1 Inches |
10. Sta-Rat Semi Tandem Axle-Release Assist Tool, Maximum Pull Force
Easy and simple to useVery durable - made of heat treated stainless steelLight weight, easy to take it around or store it in your truck tool boxrecommended for users weigh over 190 lbs
Specs:
Height | 3 Inches |
Length | 22 Inches |
Weight | 3.5 Pounds |
Width | 3 Inches |
11. Cal-Hawk 4-in-1 Ball Joint Deluxe Service Kit Tool Set 2wd & 4wd Vehicles Remover Install
4-IN-1, 4 wheel drive ball joint remover/installer kit.Perfect for 4WD ball joint service/repair. 1 "C" frame press 1 "C" frame screwExcellent for removal and installation of press-fit parts such as ball joints. Universal joints and truck brake anchor pins.It will also remove rusted and corroded par...
Specs:
Weight | 16.6 Pounds |
12. ATE 760130 ABS Test Card for Magnetic Sensor Wheels
- Protects against installation errors in the ABS
- For magnetic sensor wheels, which are integrated in the rubber sealing ring of the wheel bearing
- Magnetic fields of the sensor wheel are shown visually in the display window of the ATE test card, making it possible to check them
- Fast, simple and inexpensive
Features:
Specs:
Height | 0 Inches |
Length | 0 Inches |
Width | 0 Inches |
13. Fowler - 72-520-757 Economy Disc Brake Rotor and Ball Joint Gauge Set
- Locking pliers provide a secure, convenient clamp to any object
- Package Weight: 4.6 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 12.0 L x 3.8 H x 7.1 W (inches)
- Included components: Disc Brake Rotor and Ball Joint Gauge Set
Features:
Specs:
Height | 0 Inches |
Length | 0 Inches |
Weight | 4.5 Pounds |
Width | 0 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
14. ORIGINAL Spring Compressor Tool for Honda F20C / F22C1 engines
- Makes removing the valve assemblies a lot easier
- The body is anodized red CNC machined 6061 T6 aluminum, for excellent finish and durability
- Won't slip and damage the cylinder head.
- Can be used with the head on the block
Features:
Specs:
Weight | 0.875 Pounds |
15. Sunex 10214 2/9/64-Inch Ball Joint Socket
- Forged from CR-V alloy steel for maximum strength
- Removes and installs the ball joints used on mid-size, rear-wheel drive Chrysler cars
- Fits 2-9/64-Inch ball joints
- 3/4-Inch drive
Features:
Specs:
Height | 2.72 Inches |
Length | 2.13 Inches |
Weight | 0.03 Pounds |
Width | 2.72 Inches |
Size | 3/4″ |
Number of items | 1 |
16. ITEQ Suspension Strut Spreader Socket, Shock Absorber Ram Dismantle Tool for Volkswagen Audi VW Golf Jetta
Offers service on suspension strut housing socket, remove suspension strut from wheel bearing housing. It would also be useful when servicing the wheel bearingMost comman would be changing / replacing struts, coil spring, or the entire strut assembly. It allows you to spread the housing where it is ...
Specs:
Color | Silver |
Height | 0.86614 Inches |
Length | 1.9685 Inches |
Width | 0.86614 Inches |
17. OEM TOOLS 27308 Ball Joint Separator | Adjusts from 1-1/8” to 2-1/8” | Fits Common Ball Joint Sizes | Steel Separator Mechanism w/Black Oxide Pin | 7/8” Fork Opening| Comes w/Case
- BALL JOINT REMOVAL: This ball joint separator excels at separating the ball joint from the spindle support arm on domestic and import front wheel drive vehicles
- THE SAFE WAY TO WORK: This ball joint splitter tool has less risk of damaging the boot than a pickle fork ball joint separator; This is the right tool if re-using the ball joint
- STRONG MATERIAL: This ball joint removal tool features a steel construction with black oxide pins; Remove ball joints with confidence, time and time again
- ADJUSTABLE FIT: This near universal ball joint separator adjusts its opening range between 1-1/8 inches to 2-1/8 inches to fit many ball joints; The fork opening measures 7/8 inch
- STURDY CASE: This tool comes in a sturdy case for easy storage, portability, protection, and organization; Find it easily in a crowded garage or carry it with ease to the job site
Features:
Specs:
Color | Others |
Height | 2.9 Inches |
Length | 9.7 Inches |
Width | 8.1 Inches |
Release date | February 2017 |
Size | 1.125-2.125 |
Number of items | 1 |
18. Lisle 48300 Push Rod Remover
- Quickly removes push rods so you can replace the intake gasket
- No need to loosen and retighten the rocker arm
- The tool pivots the rocker arm to compress the valve spring and free the push rod for removal
- Country of Origin : United States
Features:
Specs:
Color | Factory |
Height | 1 Inches |
Length | 15 Inches |
Weight | 0.5 Pounds |
Width | 4 Inches |
Release date | May 2014 |
Size | One Size |
19. OrionMotorTech 23-Piece FWD Front Wheel Drive Bearing Adapters Puller Press Replacement Installer Removal Tool Kit
ALL-IN-ONE TOOL KIT: Everything you need for fast & effective front-wheel drive bearing removal and installation. Easily replaces wheel bearings while keeping the steering knuckle and strut assembled on the vehicle.INCREASE EFFICIENCY: Designed to work with the steering knuckle and strut assembly st...
Specs:
Color | RED,BLACK |
Height | 12.2 inches |
Length | 17.72 inches |
Weight | 24.030386558 Pounds |
Width | 4.13 inches |
Size | 23-Piece |
20. Branick 7600 Strut Spring Compressor
- No adaptors required
- Heavy duty acme thread
- Versatile mounting options
- Multi-position hooks
- All steel construction
Features:
Specs:
Color | Regular |
Height | 18.2 Inches |
Length | 43.3 Inches |
Weight | 98 Pounds |
Width | 19.5 Inches |
Release date | January 2015 |
Number of items | 1 |
🎓 Reddit experts on steering & suspension tools
The comments and opinions expressed on this page are written exclusively by redditors. To provide you with the most relevant data, we sourced opinions from the most knowledgeable Reddit users based the total number of upvotes and downvotes received across comments on subreddits where steering & suspension tools are discussed. For your reference and for the sake of transparency, here are the specialists whose opinions mattered the most in our ranking.
http://www.tooltopia.com/mayhew-tools-29910.aspx
http://www.tooltopia.com/otc-tools-6295.aspx
Both of those are a little cheaper on tooltopia and you don't have to pay tax (or at least, I don't, idk what the rules are for who does and doesn't) or shipping on orders over $75.
For long term use, I'd probably trust Astro Pneumatic's brand name over Ztech. I've always had great luck from AP tools, and they have an identical looking kit for $9 more on Amazon. Many years ago, I bought a cheap (holy crap, just looked it up and I paid almost $50 for that shipped) piston kit from ebay, it lasted about a year. The pin on the main plate sheared off. But that was a long time ago, maybe they're cheaper and better now?
Something to keep in mind with that inner tie rod tool, it doesn't have a lifetime warranty, and the mechanism will break at some point, and it's $52 for the replacement part. I have one, but I rarely use it. It's usually easier to just turn the wheel all the way and use some Knipex Cobra pliers.
I do most of my tool shopping between Amazon, Tooltopia, and eBay anymore. Between the three, you can usually find a pretty good deal.
I certainly trust OTC tools, I've never really had any problems and have a lot of them (and a lot of them that are rebranded as Mac/Matco/Cornwell).
These are the spring compressors I have, only problem I've had is that the little nub on the pin that prevents flying parts if it slips? That thing sometimes is too large to fit over the spring.
I have a Mac EM710 multimeter, and a Fluke 77 IV also. I like the Fluke better because the Mac turns on in AC for whatever freaking reason (srsly, it's a multimeter primarily marketed at auto techs working exclusively with DC, made by a company that almost exclusively sells to auto techs, but the damn thing turns on in AC every single time. wtf.), but I like the Mac better because the body is more square so it'll sit on it's side easier.
Power Probe's are also super duper handy, you can quickly check if something has power and ground without having to change the other end of your test light, and you can quickly apply power to check if a component is functioning. And they're super cheap on Amazon these days. That makes me sad, I paid like $200 for my PP3!
Having had a VW of that vintage, straight cash is best.
In all seriousness, this is useful in a couple of ways, other wise a gift card or something from the VW (Jbugs and the like) catalogs would be awesome, since it's unclear what the van will need.
Oh wow thanks for letting me know!!
Are these ok?
https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-Motorcycle-Hardened-Protector-Sheaths/dp/B073RQB3H2/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?keywords=kenway+tire+irons&qid=1562799310&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1
I need to use Amazon bc shipping is fast and I need this scooter for work!
Assuming you're talking about square taper, my favourite way is to use what I call the pickle fork. Remove the crank bolts first! Slide it behind the crank arm and smack it with a 4lb sledge hammer. I wouldn't use this method on a crankarm I wanted to save but it doesn't always damage the crankarm. I find it best to the bike upside down on the ground, keeps the hammer away from the rest of the frame.
This is the Shankly set, but it shows as currently unavailable. I’m sure other people make a similar set though.
Shankly 3 Piece Ball Joint Removal Tool and Ball Joint Separator Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0718SQWRW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JMSDDbAN4P16M
This is the other set (looks like the price has gone up a good bit since I bought it)
UTOOL Quick Change Interchangeable Ball Joint Remover Puller Tool Set Tie Rod End Separator Remover Puller 20-30mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BHH1RQ5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4QSDDb7ZER9YX
Some gift ideas (disclaimer, it's my website): http://truckdrivergifts.com
Personally the gifts I would love most to receive would be either a Sta-Rat Tandem Release Tool or Audible.com gift certificate.
Well assuming your power steering pump and gear box are working correctly then hell yeah an alignment will do that. Even if those aren’t working it should center up at the very least.
Drag link and center link are pretty easy to do if your going to tackles those, a ball joint tool similar to this can be rented for free at autozone. It makes life way easy.
https://www.amazon.com/GEARWRENCH-3916D-Universal-Joint-Separator/dp/B003YVWHOE/ref=asc_df_B003YVWHOE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241975700326&hvpos=1o8&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14180979640211089708&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031442&hvtargid=pla-382391363739&psc=1
If you end up doing this lemme know how it worked out!
It's pretty much a c-clamp with additional parts for proper clearances of everything. Like this. There are different kits of varying quality and number of parts to fit different vehicles.
*linked tool is for reference and not necessarily exactly what you need.
So I replaced one of my knuckles years ago and I suspected something wasn't quite perfect. I usually replace pads or rotors separately as they wear out so the issue showing itself in the form of uneven thickness wearing of the rotors (commonly mislabeled as "warping"), took a long time to appear if at all. But this summer I went on a road trip and put brand new rotors and pads on at the same time, stretching the calipers/slides to their max. By the end of the trip, the front right had noticeable dust buildup and there was steering shake under braking.
I've been accumulating tools for a while so it was time to tackle this without replacing the hub.
Tools I used:
Most of my purchases were through Amazon Warehouse Deals and I paid 50% - 70% list price, some times with the help of camelcamelcamel.com
i replaced mine at 170k miles after a money shift. saw no signs of wear, but it made me sleep better at night knowing they were replaced. i used one of these tools to make the job easy.
https://www.amazon.com/Honda-S2000-Spring-Compressor-engines/dp/B00J144A66
Buy a ball joint separator and save yourself some headaches....
[OTC AMAZON BALL JOINT SEPARATOR] (http://www.amazon.com/OTC-6297-Ball-Joint-Separator/dp/B0015PN010/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369198064&sr=8-1&keywords=ball+joint+separator)
Tighten it up real good. Take a hammer and tap the ball joint. BAM! It pops off. Kind of scary at first but it does the job nicely.
Btw my ball joint was a bitch to remove as it had some salt corrosion in it due to driving in snow. And compared to cheapies i've tried, this has a large opening so it fit nicely inside of my largest control arm.
THIS TOOL WILL NOT TEAR YOUR BOOTS!
[Ebay - Sunex 2 - 9/64 ball joint socket - $16.97 +$4.95 shipping]
(http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sunex-10214-3-4-Dr-2-9-64-Ball-Joint-Impact-Socket-/390904357769?hash=item5b03b72389&item=390904357769&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr)
[Amazon - $21.68 + possible free shipping if you don't like Ebay] (http://www.amazon.com/Sunex-10214-64-Inch-Joint-Socket/dp/B003EZZUNU/)
It took me longer to type this than it did to find them. Google is your friend.
A strut spreader would be nice to help with the job
https://www.amazon.com/ITEQ-Suspension-Spreader-Dismantle-Volkswagen/dp/B07KK8ZQD1/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=strut+spreader&qid=1574871653&sr=8-3
I could be wrong, but I wonder if a set of adjustable camber bolts or camber plates would help? A camber plate basically goes on the outside of the camber mount to allow more adjustability than stock. By having a big washer on each side it could make up for your torn-up chassis part.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/replacing-camber-caster-bolts.252389/
http://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/moog-k100055
https://www.amazon.com/Moog-K80065-Camber-Adjusting-Kit/dp/B000C59Z68
If you have a puller the right size, use that. If not, some auto parts stores will loan tools for this kind of thing. I have one of these, works great.
OEMTOOLS Tools 27308 Ball Joint... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7TJ61S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
We started using these:
https://www.amazon.com/OTC-6297-Ball-Joint-Separator/dp/B0015PN010
It's labeled as a ball joint tool but it'll also pop out tie rod ends. Makes life far, far easier.
I am amazed you can get such a tool anywhere near $200.
This is what my local shop has.
Amazon link
This has been around for awhile. Mercedes have the same setup in inner hub seals that have to be pressed on. You find out which ones pretty quick when you tap them in with a hammer instead of pressing them
I used to use something like this if I wasn't replacing the joint https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-3916D-Universal-Joint-Separator/dp/B003YVWHOE/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_263_lp_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KNCRDZJJ1QFV8D70J70W if I was replacing it I used a pickle fork and an air hammer.
Definitely not an electrical hole punch set. Automotive wheel bearing removal and install set. https://www.amazon.com/OrionMotorTech-23-Piece-Adapters-Replacement-Installer/dp/B01FLVOAZI/ref=asc_df_B01FLVOAZI/?
It could still be the intake gasket. Your mechanic does not under stand basic science or cars for that matter. When you car cools off the pressure in the cooling system drops and creates a suction so it pulls in oil from the intake gasket if its bad.
I just replaced a intake gasket on a customers car and he had no signs of coolant in the oil (I bet it may have shown up on an oil analysis, but not the naked eye). After changing no oil showing up in the coolant anymore.
Also make sure to buy this tool it will save a lot of time...
http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-48300-Push-Rod-Remover/dp/B00DBMLY8G
My ball joint "claw" tool...
Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-3916D-Universal-Joint-Separator/dp/B003YVWHOE/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1479163236&sr=1-3
It makes popping them out so much easier. After I failed to get the ball joint out on my old Grand Prix I went out and bought one of these things and got it out within 5 mins of opening the package.
It doesn't like this tool would work for your situation, but some sort of [Ball Joint Separator] (https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-3916D-Universal-Joint-Separator/dp/B003YVWHOE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1519659123&sr=8-3&keywords=ball+joint+separator) might be worth picking up.
moog camber adj bolts they work well
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C59Z68/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That's correct- to replace the studs, you must replace pull the hub out of the bearing.
UNLESS, there is a spot where you can cut and bend the brake shield out of the way so you could bash the old lugs out and new ones in. Ericthecarguy has a video where he does this exact thing--he replaces lugs without pulling the hub.
I use this wheel bearing press. It makes easy work of almost any job without removing the whole knuckle.
OrionMotorTech 23-Piece FWD Front Wheel Drive Bearing Adapters Puller Press Replacement Installer Removal Tool Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FLVOAZI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_wf3-BbMHRGCRQ
this tool made me a lot of money back when GM 3.1 engines were coming in every week for leaking intake manifold gaskets. It lets you remove and install the push rods without loosening all of the rocker arm nuts. That easily saves about an hour on the job, which really adds up over time.
https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-48300-Push-Rod-Remover/dp/B00DBMLY8G
http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-48300-Push-Rod-Remover/dp/B00DBMLY8G
As a mechanic, we use something similar to test which side of wheel bearings has the speed sensor pickup.
At least it's not masquerading as a precision tool.
http://www.amazon.com/Fowler-72-520-757-Economy-Brake-Rotor/dp/B000R6VTZC
Reconnect the control arm to the frame, spray penetrating oil into the joint, apply downward pressure on the arm with a large prybar, and hit the side of the joint (on the steering knuckle) with a large hammer. It's important that you hold as much downward pressure as possible while hitting it with a hammer.
Or buy something like this, though you will probably still need to reconnect the other side of the arm.
The ballpoints are notoriously difficult to separate, you'll want to get one of these: GearWrench 3916D Universal Ball Joint Separator https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YVWHOE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gcZ5xb1FBKMBA