Luka Kusic
Updated on March 23, 2022
Replacing the ball joints at home is a great way to save some cash, but one thing many DIY mechanics forget is that you need a specialized tool to properly do the job. Ball joint press kits are readily available on Amazon, and there’s a lot of great options to choose from. In this review, we’ll take a look at the twelve best ball join press tools on the market.
Short on Time? Check Out Our Top 3 Choices
| Image | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 TopTopTopTopTop | Heavy Duty Ball Joint Press & U Joint Removal Tool Kit with 4x4 Adapters, for Most 2WD and 4WD Cars and Light Trucks (BL) | Buy Now | |
 TopTopTopTopTop | Powerbuilt 940579 10 Piece Master Ball Joint Service Tool Kit | Buy Now | |
 TopTopTopTopTop | Orion Motor Tech Master Ball Joint Press Kit & U-Joint Puller Service Tool Set 21PCS - Upper and Lower Ball Joint Removal Tool Kit for Ball Joint Service with C-Press | Buy Now |
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1. Orion Motor Tech Blue Box 10-Piece Ball Joint Press
Orion Motor Tech blue box heavy-duty ball joint press & U joint removal tool kit is our number one pick because of the extremely affordable price and surprisingly good production quality.
This 10-piece kit includes the press made out of carbon steel, jackscrew, universal receiving tubes, and cups, as well as installation and removal adapters. It can be used to install or remove a ball joint, disassemble and assemble “U” joints, and replace brake anchor pins.
Orion Motor blue box kit is a universal option, usable for most domestic and imported cars and light pickup trucks. The 4WD adapter allows you to work on 1/2 and 3/4 4WD vehicles with Dana 30 or 44 front axle, common on Jeep, Dodge, IHC, GM, and Ford vehicles.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
2. Powerbuilt 10-Piece Ball Joint Service Tool Kit
Powerbuilt is a brand name, so while their 10-piece kit is more expensive than other options, some prefer the added safety.
It’s capable of removing and installing press-fit type ball joints without having to remove the entire control arm. You can also use it to replace “U” joints and the brake anchor pins.
The ANSI level production quality ensures a durable and dependable product. The kit comes with one C-frame press and screw, four receiving tubes and one receiving cup, a couple of installing and removing adapters, and the storage case.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
3. Orion Motor Tech 21-Piece Ball Joint Press
Our number one option takes another spot on the list, this time in a new box and with 11 more adapters to increase the number of ball joint types that can be worked on. Interestingly enough, Orion Motor Tech sells the exact same kit in the blue box, with a 10% higher price, while the 10-piece set is also available in red.
Orion Motor Tech products have streamlined production, with the 21-piece set sharing components with the smaller kit, and adding 11 more of the same quality. The package includes extra receiving and removing cups and tubes, as well as a center plug.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
4. OTC Ball Joint Service Kit
OTC is a brand owned by Bosch which explains the high price for a rather small package. However, OTC tools are some of the best in business, and the items you get inside the box are all you need to get the job done.
Like other options, an OTC kit can be used to work on the “U” joint and brake anchor pin. The package includes 3 receiver tubes, one adapter, one installing and receiving cup, as well as the C clamp. If you’re looking for a professional-grade kit to expand your toolset, OTC is a solid option.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
5. Astro Pneumatic Tool Kit With 4-Wheel Drive Adapters
Astro Pneumatic tool kit looks suspiciously similar to the Orion Motor Tech’s, but given the volume of products they sell as a company, it might just be a coincidence. Still, as it’s practically identical to our #1 option, it gets on the list as an alternative in case Orion’s ball joint presses run out of stock.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
6. Powerbuilt 23-Piece Ball Joint and U Joint Service Set
Powerbuilt also has a larger, 23-piece kit for added versatility and a wider range of applications. Aside from the standard tools such as C-frame and sockets, you’re getting a wide range of receiving tubes and installing cups, as well as removing adapters.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
7. Astro Pneumatic Press Tool Set
You may not need all the parts this Astro Pneumatic press tool kit has to offer, but it’s not a bad idea to future-proof your purchase. Like the smaller kit, it’s built of hard steel, with a forged C-frame press. The case is blow-molded and provides a tight fit for all the parts.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
8. OEMTOOLS 21-Piece Ball Joint Service Set
OEMTOOLS kit is designed to be the only one you’ll need in a lifetime. Heavy-duty forged steel alloy C-frame is one of the toughest available, and with the wide range of adapters, you’ll be able to service almost any vehicle. The only downside of the OEMTOOLS set is the high price, but you shouldn’t hesitate to buy it if you need a high-quality kit.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
9. OTC Car Ball Joint Master Service Kit
The 50-piece service kit by OTC isn’t for DIY mechanics, or even most professionals. For the price of this set, you can buy half the list, but still, it’s one of the best ball joint press sets available for purchase, which is why it has to go on the list.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
10. Astro Pneumatic Goliath Ball Joint C-Frame Press
For some jobs, the standard 6″ press just won’t do. The XL C-frame press by Astro Pneumatic has a 9.1″ throat and includes both the short and long screw to make it easier to operate. Made out of a new type of Astro Pneumatic forged alloy steel, it’s durable enough to last a lifetime. Combining it with a cheaper 10 or 20-piece kit will give you everything you need to change almost any ball joint.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
11. OEMTOOLS Master Ball Joint Adapter Set
OEMTOOLS set is an interesting addition to the list because it doesn’t include the C-frame press and bolts. For an extra $100, you can get their extra-wide 9″ press that will allow you to work on larger vehicles.
The value I see in the OEMTOOLS set is the ability to expand your options with a cheaper press, like one from Orion Motor Tech, without having to buy a complete kit. It comes with 14 highly durable adapters, separators, and installers.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
12. Orion Motor Tech Red Box 10-Piece Ball Joint Press
The only reason Orion Motor Tech Red Box makes it on the list is that it’s the most popular ball joint press on Amazon by a huge margin. It’s identical to our number one pick, with the only difference being the color of the storage box and the extra $5 cost.
I assume that its dominant popularity on Amazon allowed the company to increase the price slightly and get away with it. I’m not a fan of this strategy, especially when there’s also a black box available for the same price as the blue box.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
How To Replace Ball Joints
- Lift the vehicle on stands by using a car jack.
- Remove the nut connecting the ball joint to the steering knuckle, and loosen the other nut holding the joint in place.
- Configure your press and use it to release the ball joint cone.
- Before removing the ball joint, measure the distances so the new ball joint can go at the same angle.
- Remove the ball joint, then use the press to put the new one in place.
- Tighten the nuts to complete the process.
FAQs
Can you replace a ball joint without a press?
Replacing the ball joint without the right tools can lead to improper fitment or damage to the vehicle. If you want to do the job yourself, I highly recommend picking up even the cheapest option on the list above.
How much does it cost to have a ball joint pressed in?
A mechanic will charge you between $80 to $150 to replace a single joint. As a DIY job will only cost you $50 for the press, and an additional $100 for the car jack and stands, you can get all the tools you need for future repairs at the cost of a single ball joint service.
How long can you drive on a bad ball joint?
Depending on the deterioration of the ball joint, you can drive at most a few hundred miles, but it’s highly recommended to use that period to get to a mechanic, or work on the repair yourself, rather than push the ball joint to its limits.
Summary
There are plenty of good ball joint press kits on the market, so all you need to do is figure out what your needs are and buy one of the recommended products. For as little as $50, you can get a solid 10-piece set that will be more than capable of servicing most conventional vehicles. For a bit more, you can future-proof your purchase with one of the 20-piece sets and work on ball joints for decades to come!
Check out other related topics:
How To Fix a Loose Rear or Side View Mirror Ball Joint
6 Bad Tie Rod Symptoms
How Long Can You Drive With Bad Control Arm Bushings?
