Best ball joint u joint kit to get?

[GophersGarage]

I see these 3 kits come up thinking to go with the power built
This is for hobby use
I usually go with otc tools but I am starting to feel
They are all made in the same China factory and don’t feel
Like paying extra for the brand







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[lbhsbz]

Is this for a single job or a whole bunch of different vehicles? I ask because I believe that only one car in your sig...the Impala, uses a press-in ball joint...the rest are either integrated with the control arm or unbolt.

 

[619DioFan]

Of the ones shown I would get the Astro set. the support from astro is is very good with Chris being an active member here on GJ.

 

[darkzero]

Of the 3 I would choose Astro also.

I only need one for occasional home use so I bought the ABN branded set. I didn't get the master set though. $50 USD from Amazon. I did have to mill down one of the adapter to work on my Tacoma bit it worked perfectly fine, no issues with the clamp stripping & I had to use quite a bit of force.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BUI5VCW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[MilkDud_5274]

Definitely go with the Astro 7897. I bought the same kit 3 years ago and it hasn't disappointed. The C-frame press is beefy and very strong. Just remember to grease the threads.

 

[SkinnyG]

I've got the smaller Astro set (with fewer adapters). I'm happy with it.

 

[GophersGarage]

I was thinking the power built because looks like that’s what Napa loans out so I would think it’s pretty good stuff

Interesting about the Astro kit I think it’s the same as the $125 kit




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[kythri]

While the two kits look the same, it doesn't necessarily mean that they are. Sure, the Astro kit in made in China, as is the Orion kit, but one factory can copy the other easy as pie.

In the unlikely event you have an issue with the Astro kit, Astro will take care of you - usually via a PM to Chris, who, as mentioned, is an active member here.

With "Orion Motor Tech" ?? Who knows. Their website has a "Contact Us" form, no other information. Will you get a response, or will your form entry be lost in the ether?

Astro's website has a similar form, but also has a physical address, a phone number and an email address. Real people respond (I can vouch for that, and their excellent customer service).

 

[gatlibs]

Snap-On is regarded as the best and I believe it, but at a price so close to a grand new it isn't something for most.

On the other hand if you are concerned that the Chinese ones are just rebrands than your best bet may be using the "loaner" tools from O'Reilly's or such. That's be free to you.

OTC used to be made in China, but now makes it domestically. I bought this one and it does not bend like the Chinese one that I was "lent" by the parts store. Since these two brands are made in U.S. and look completely different then you know that they are different. I agree that it is a crapshoot as to whether the colors and shapes of the different cases hold substantively different tools.

 

[GophersGarage]

While the two kits look the same, it doesn't necessarily mean that they are. Sure, the Astro kit in made in China, as is the Orion kit, but one factory can copy the other easy as pie.

In the unlikely event you have an issue with the Astro kit, Astro will take care of you - usually via a PM to Chris, who, as mentioned, is an active member here.

With "Orion Motor Tech" ?? Who knows. Their website has a "Contact Us" form, no other information. Will you get a response, or will your form entry be lost in the ether?

Astro's website has a similar form, but also has a physical address, a phone number and an email address. Real people respond (I can vouch for that, and their excellent customer service).

It’s true I most likely go Astro



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[GophersGarage]

Snap-On is regarded as the best and I believe it, but at a price so close to a grand new it isn't something for most.



On the other hand if you are concerned that the Chinese ones are just rebrands than your best bet may be using the "loaner" tools from O'Reilly's or such. That's be free to you.



OTC used to be made in China, but now makes it domestically. I bought this one and it does not bend like the Chinese one that I was "lent" by the parts store. Since these two brands are made in U.S. and look completely different then you know that they are different. I agree that it is a crapshoot as to whether the colors and shapes of the different cases hold substantively different tools.

I would never go snap on sure I have have some gear from them but dam they are over priced company

OTC kit is roughly 500cnd
I would have to research more about quality of their USA versions



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[2ndGearRubber]

I've done hundreds and hundreds with my astro. Pick up their "Goliath" c-frame too. It's a godsend when you need to stack adapters.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I would never go snap on sure I have have some gear from them but dam they are over priced company

OTC kit is roughly 500cnd
I would have to research more about quality of their USA versions



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It's ******, and they refuse to honor their warranty. I bent 3 of those POS, they cry about replacing failed adapters "that's abuse" - astro all the way.


I avoid OTC as much as a possibly can. YMMV.

 

[GophersGarage]

It's ******, and they refuse to honor their warranty. I bent 3 of those POS, they cry about replacing failed adapters "that's abuse" - astro all the way.





I avoid OTC as much as a possibly can. YMMV.

I read in reviews a lot what you just said thanks for info


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[signcrafter]

I don't have the astro ball joint kit but I do have a bunch of their tools and they hold up very well. I have the bearing puller kit and hub puller and exhaust expander as well as a bunch of other various tools from astro. Tools that take a beating and have had zero issues. Plus after seeing the customer service that astro has on the GJ I would go astro all the way.

 

[WhataTool]

I bent the OTC USA c-frame a ways back, maybe I was going to hard on it but hey ball joints need to come out and that's what the tool was for.

I called in and asked where to send mine for replacement, before I could even get a full sentence out the woman asks me if I used an impact wrench on the tool. I said well yeah, duh. That's how you use the tool. She says they cant replace damage from impact use, the tool is not design for that.

I tell her "Your instruction video on your youtube page shows the guy using an impact wrench on this"
She responds "Do you have a technical question for this item, I can help you with warranty process but if you have a technical question I have to transfer you"
"So you can use an impact with it but I can't?"
"It shows here the tool should not be used with an impact"

"Okay thanks. I'll take my business elsewhere"

Then i threw it in our dumpster and bought an Astro set 5 mins later. I even PM'd astro about what part number would replace a OTC adapter that I had bent out of shape not even mentioning my OTC hassles but saying I refused to call them again, and they sent me one free of charge!

So, yes. Astro. C-frame has not bent an inch since I got it.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I have an older Chinese OTC and it's done numerous 1 ton axles without issue. The one Astro tool I have failed (electrical connector crimper) and they wouldn't stand behind it. I won't buy Astro labeled products for that reason when they can be had significantly cheaper labeled differently. Take it for what it's worth.

 

[signcrafter]

I have an older Chinese OTC and it's done numerous 1 ton axles without issue. The one Astro tool I have failed (electrical connector crimper) and they wouldn't stand behind it. I won't buy Astro labeled products for that reason when they can be had significantly cheaper labeled differently. Take it for what it's worth.

Curious what broke on it and why they wouldn't warranty it? I have their crimper so just wondering.

 

[Benito]

How did you kill their ratcheting crimper? I must have used mine over a thousand times and still have all the original jaws.

 

[JSHOUSE1]

Of the ones shown I would also go with astro.

With that said I have been using a cheap harbor freight kit in a shop setting, and I have probably pressed out no less than 100 vehicles with no issue.

I might have got 10 out of a higher priced OTC set before it folded like a pretzel.

One thing I have learned that is often not done, clean all dirt and caked up grease first. use a good stong impact (nitrocat) and if the balljoint is not moving.... stop. Whack the side of the control arm or knuckle with a hammer, hit it again with the impact, alternate a few times if you have to and usually the slide out like butter.

 

[Earp69]

If the vendor that sells the ASTRO kit will pm me a price I'd appreciate it, looking for a kit that can withstand 1 ton trucks

 

[2001ZR2]

Interesting thread as I bought an OTC kit for a starter and the Astro 4X4 adapter kit.

Never rebuild a front end until last November but have done two more since with it. As someone else said use the tool correctly and have penetrating oil, a Big F****** Hammer and the red wrench (torch) on hand.

Only ball joint that stood up for more than 5 minutes was the one on my son's 2005 Trailblazer. Heated up the steering knuckle and it came out.

 

[WittHay]

Cheap ball joint kits are everywhere, Canadian Tire, Princess Auto, parts and tool stores

The best deal is the Pro-point kit from Princess Auto, normally $220 but goes on sale. The OTC available from parts stores is made in the US and the frame itself is good.

If you decide to go with a online purchase as recommended by the US members, you have to deal with a manufacturer or importer in a different country for parts or warranty.

 

[GophersGarage]

I didn’t noticed PA had a set in pro point series
Thanks for heads up




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[Djosbun]

I own two Astro sets and it has seen TONS of use and has been perfect. Just make sure you grease the threaded rod (no matter which set you buy) with wheel bearing/chassis grease every time you use it.

-- Dave