Lower ball joint split pin stucks

[kinson]

1. My model of MX-5 is: 1992 Eunos Roadster
2. I’m based near: Nottingham
3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: I was trying to replace my lower ball joints but the pin is stuck as it doesnt leave any room for me to use the plier to clamp it out.
   
   

I have tried to hammer the pin out but the angle and space is limited.

Anyway this is a photo of a normal ball joint that it should have the loop for me to clamp it out but mine dont.

Is there any other methods i can try before the last resort - angle grinder? Thank you!

[MaxBlack3.75]

Once you have experienced the absolute joy of a 1mm thick disc on a (preferably cordless) angle grinder , it wont be a last resort.

[Philip986pies]

I used a dremmel cutter on mine, straight down through the pin.

[stevegilkes]

I had this too, so common, and the split pin doesn’t really do a lot as the nut can still turn a small amount and slacken. However, failed an MoT because they were missing after my own polybush installation.

As it is so awkward, a number of different tools may help (pad saw, dagger saw, grinder), but mine were so rusty that I was able to twist the ends with pliers until they broke off, then post MoT I drilled out the remains.

[stevegilkes]

Glad to have been of assistance

[rutlandsurfer]

Split pins are soft steel. Usually if you get a good fit socket or spanner on the nut it will just shear split pin off without damaging nut and nut will wind off.