replacing Fulvia S1 front suspension balljoints

[georges2]

Hello everyone,
I'm facing an unexpected problem. Having noticed that the rubber protections on the wishbone ball joints (front of the Fulvia S1 coupe) are damaged, I bought new ball joints and took my car to a trusted garage. But the problem is that removing the ball joints requires a special tool. I'm consulting the (very poor) copy of the service manual on page 04/7 140 of 324 "Front Suspension Removal and Overhaul" which shows a paragraph about "Upper and Lower Ball Joints"
which states: "NOTE: If it is necessary to remove only the upper ball joint (the most worn), it can be removed using extractor 8042111. This operation does not involve removing other parts of the front suspension; it simply requires bringing the latter to static load conditions as described in "Front Wheel Opening Inspection."

My questions are : about tool 8042111: what does it look like? Is there an equivalent tool commercially available?
Next, I would like to know if the lower ball joint can be removed using the same scenario?
Thank you for your experience and advice on the procedure.
Sincerely, Georges2

[gcarenini]

Dear Georges2,

here attached you will find a screenshot from the special tools catalogue showing the extractor 8042111 that you need to remove the pin from the swivel, you can easily find similar standard tool on the market.
You can use the same tool to remove the lower pin from the swivel.
In order to avoid any injury, remember to bring the leaf spring to the condition of static load by blocking it with a proper tool.

Best regards

Giovanni

[georges2]

Hi Gcarenini
Very nice picture and answer, This will bring great help to the staff in the garage. Best regards. G2