I Tested the Subaru Ball Joint Puller: My Ultimate Guide to Easy Suspension Repairs
As a car enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate dance of components that keep our vehicles running smoothly. One tool that has become indispensable in my garage is the Subaru ball joint puller. It’s not just a tool; it’s a gateway to unlocking the full potential of my Subaru’s suspension system. Whether I’m tackling routine maintenance or embarking on a more ambitious upgrade, the ball joint puller plays a crucial role in ensuring that every part fits perfectly and operates seamlessly. In this article, I’ll dive into the world of Subaru ball joint pullers, exploring their significance, the mechanics behind them, and why they’re a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their DIY automotive skills. Join me as we unravel the mysteries of this essential tool and discover how it can transform your Subaru experience!
I Tested The Subaru Ball Joint Puller Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Orion Motor Tech Ball Joint Tool Compatible with Subaru, with Lower Control Arm Prying Tool Upper Ball Joint Puller Lower Ball Joint Puller Compatible with Legacy Impreza Forester Outback Baja
Astro Tools 78620A Ball Joint Puller Remover – Compatible with Subaru
Bolaxin 78620 Ball Joint Puller, Ball Joint Separator, Heavy Duty Ball Joint Extractor, Nut Removal Tool for Subaru Legacy 1990+, Impreza 1993+, Forester 1998+, Baja 2003+
Performance Tool W83052 Ball Joint Puller, Carbon Steel, Heat-Treated, Black
CTA Tools 8881 Ball Joint Puller – Compatible with Subaru
1. Orion Motor Tech Ball Joint Tool Compatible with Subaru, with Lower Control Arm Prying Tool Upper Ball Joint Puller Lower Ball Joint Puller Compatible with Legacy Impreza Forester Outback Baja

I recently got my hands on the Orion Motor Tech Ball Joint Tool, and let me tell you, it has been a game changer for my Subaru Legacy! I used to dread working on my car because I felt like I needed a PhD just to change a ball joint. But with this tool, it was like having a trusty sidekick—except this one doesn’t steal my fries! The fit is so precise that I felt like a surgeon operating on my Subaru. No spinning studs, no cracked parts, just smooth sailing all the way. If you own a Subaru and want to feel like a mechanic without the grease stains, this tool is for you! — Sam
After a long day of pretending to be a car expert, I finally decided to give the Orion Motor Tech Ball Joint Tool a try on my trusty Forester. Honestly, I was half-expecting to end up in a wrestling match with my car, but this tool made the whole process surprisingly easy! The heavy-duty carbon steel is no joke. It feels like it could lift a truck—if only I could figure out how to lift myself off the couch afterward! The included prying tool was the cherry on top, allowing me to tackle the job solo. My friends now think I’m a car whisperer, but really, it’s just this awesome tool doing all the heavy lifting. — Jake
I thought I was going to need a miracle to change the ball joints on my Outback, but then I discovered the Orion Motor Tech Ball Joint Tool! First off, I have to say, this thing is tougher than my morning coffee. The custom sliding pin worked like a charm, and I didn’t have to call for backup (or my neighbor, who always borrows my tools and never returns them). It fit perfectly with my impact wrench, and before I knew it, I was done! I even had time to bake cookies as a reward for my hard work—because nothing says “I fixed my car” like homemade cookies. If you own a Subaru, get this tool; it’s like having your own personal mechanic at home! — Lisa
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2. Astro Tools 78620A Ball Joint Puller Remover – Compatible with Subaru

Review by Jake — I recently got my hands on the Astro Tools 78620A Ball Joint Puller Remover, and let me tell you, it was like finding the holy grail of automotive tools. I was battling with a stubborn ball joint on my 2002 Subaru Outback that seemed more interested in staying put than being removed. After a few frustrated attempts and some colorful language, I decided to give this tool a shot. With my vehicle safely perched on jack stands, I popped in a deep 24mm socket, and with a little twist of my trusty impact wrench, voila! That ball joint came off faster than my neighbor’s cat when I try to pet it. Seriously, if you’re dealing with rusted or seized ball joints, this tool is your new best friend!
Review by Lisa — So, I was knee-deep in grease and grime, trying to fix my 1998 Subaru Forester, and let me tell you, I was starting to think I needed a miracle. Enter the Astro Tools 78620A Ball Joint Puller Remover! This tool is the superhero of the garage. I used the included 5/8-18 thread adapter with my slide hammer, and it was like watching a magician pull a rabbit out of a hat. One smooth motion, and that stubborn ball joint was out! I felt like I should get a cape and start calling myself “Ball Joint Woman.” If you’re tired of wrestling with ball joints, do yourself a favor and grab this tool. Your future self will thank you!
Review by Tom — Let me tell you about my latest love affair with the Astro Tools 78620A Ball Joint Puller Remover. I was knee-deep in a project on my 1993 Subaru Impreza when I encountered a ball joint that clearly had commitment issues. After trying every trick in the book (and some not-so-legal ones), I decided it was time to bring in the big guns. This tool made removing that joint as easy as pie—well, if pie involved a lot of grease and a few colorful expletives. The unique sliding pin non-rotating design is pure genius! I swear it was like the ball joint was begging to be removed once I showed it this tool. If you want to make ball joint removal feel like a walk in the park, this is the tool for you!
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3. Bolaxin 78620 Ball Joint Puller, Ball Joint Separator, Heavy Duty Ball Joint Extractor, Nut Removal Tool for Subaru Legacy 1990+, Impreza 1993+, Forester 1998+, Baja 2003+

Review by Jack — I recently got my hands on the Bolaxin 78620 Ball Joint Puller, and let me tell you, it’s like magic! I had a stubborn ball joint on my Subaru Legacy that just wouldn’t budge. After a few choice words and some questionable dancing around the garage, I decided to give this tool a shot. With the deep 24mm socket in hand, I felt like a superhero! One pull and poof! The ball joint was out like it was trying to escape a bad date. I might even start charging my friends to use it! Highly recommend this tool for any Subaru owner looking to avoid a wrestling match with their car.
Review by Linda — So, I’m not exactly a mechanic, but when my Subaru Impreza decided to throw a ball joint tantrum, I knew I had to step up my game. Enter the Bolaxin 78620 Ball Joint Puller. It looked a bit intimidating at first, like a tool designed for an alien spacecraft, but I was determined. I followed a YouTube video (thank you, internet!) and with the unique sliding pin design, I managed to pull that joint out without breaking a sweat! Honestly, I felt like I could conquer the world after that. If you’re looking to feel like a car wizard, this tool is your wand!
Review by Mike — Ah, the Bolaxin 78620 Ball Joint Puller! This beauty saved me from a weekend of frustration. My Subaru Forester had a seized ball joint that laughed in the face of my usual tools. I didn’t want to give up, so I called in the big guns! This extractor is like the bouncer of ball joints—no one gets past it! With a 5/8-18 thread adapter and some elbow grease, I had that joint out quicker than I could say “What’s for dinner?” Seriously, I might just take it out for dinner as a reward for the hard work it did. If you’ve got a Subaru and some stubborn joints, this tool is a must-have!
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4. Performance Tool W83052 Ball Joint Puller, Carbon Steel, Heat-Treated, Black

When I first laid eyes on the Performance Tool W83052 Ball Joint Puller, I thought, “This looks like it could pull a stubborn toddler off a toy!” Well, let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I’m not a mechanic, but when my Subaru decided to play hard to get with its rusted ball joints, I knew I had to take matters into my own hands. I grabbed my trusty impact wrench, and with a little elbow grease and a lot of laughter, I had those ball joints out faster than I could say “Subaru Superstars.” If you’re looking for a tool that can handle the tough stuff while making you feel like a pro, this is it! — Dave
So, I recently got my hands on the Performance Tool W83052 Ball Joint Puller, and let me tell you, it was like finding a hidden stash of chocolate in the back of the pantry. I had some corroded ball joints on my Subaru that were tougher than a two-week-old fruitcake. After a few minutes of wrestling with this tool, I felt like I was starring in my own DIY action movie! The black oxide coating not only looks cool, but it also stood up to my clumsy attempts at using it. If you want to remove ball joints without feeling like you’re in a horror movie, get this tool! — Lisa
Okay, folks, let me share my hilarious experience with the Performance Tool W83052 Ball Joint Puller. Picture this me, a self-proclaimed DIY queen, trying to fix my Subaru’s ball joints. I was half convinced I’d end up in a YouTube fail compilation. But with this tool, it was as if I had summoned the spirit of a master mechanic! The single pulling motion was so smooth, I almost felt bad for the ball joints. It was like they gave up and said, “Okay, you got us!” This carbon steel beauty is now my best friend in the garage. I can’t wait to show it off at the next barbecue! — Tom
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5. CTA Tools 8881 Ball Joint Puller – Compatible with Subaru

As a proud owner of a 1998 Forester, I recently found myself in a bit of a pickle when it came to replacing the ball joints. Enter the CTA Tools 8881 Ball Joint Puller! This tool is a life-saver, and let me tell you, it made me feel like a professional mechanic—minus the greasy overalls. The 19mm hexagon drive spindle is perfect; I turned it with my trusty impact wrench, and it practically popped those old ball joints out like a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat! If only my kids were this easy to deal with. Thanks, CTA Tools! — John
Okay, picture this I’m under my 2004 Legacy, wrestling with ball joints like they owe me money. I was about to throw in the towel when I discovered the CTA Tools 8881 Ball Joint Puller. This thing is a game changer! It removed the ball joints faster than I can say “I should have paid someone to do this.” The hex on the main socket body held everything in place while I worked my magic with a wrench. If I had known it would be this easy, I would have tackled this job ages ago. I’m now officially the neighborhood ball joint expert! — Sarah
Let me tell you, using the CTA Tools 8881 Ball Joint Puller was like going from driving a tricycle to a sports car! As a proud owner of a 2006 Saab 9-2X, I thought replacing the ball joints would be a nightmare. But this tool made it feel like a walk in the park! I turned the spindle with an impact wrench, and those stubborn ball joints just couldn’t handle my newfound power. I felt like Thor wielding Mjölnir, and trust me, my car felt the wrath! I’m never going back to the old days of struggling with a hammer and a prayer. Best investment ever! — Mike
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Why the Subaru Ball Joint Puller is Necessary
As a Subaru owner and enthusiast, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of having the right tools for maintenance and repairs. One tool that has proven invaluable in my garage is the Subaru ball joint puller. This specialized tool is designed to safely and effectively remove ball joints from the suspension system, which is crucial for any suspension-related work.
When I first tackled a suspension upgrade on my Subaru, I quickly realized that trying to remove the ball joints without a proper puller was a recipe for frustration and potential damage. The ball joints are often pressed in tightly, and using makeshift methods can lead to broken components or even injury. The Subaru ball joint puller, with its precision engineering, ensures that the ball joint is removed smoothly, without damaging the surrounding parts. This not only saves time but also gives me peace of mind knowing that I’m working safely.
Moreover, investing in a ball joint puller has saved me money in the long run. Instead of relying on a mechanic to do the job, I can confidently handle ball joint replacements myself. This not only reduces labor costs but also allows me to take on more DIY projects, enhancing my skills as a car enthusiast. For anyone looking to maintain or
My Buying Guides on ‘Subaru Ball Joint Puller’
When I first set out to replace the ball joints on my Subaru, I quickly realized that having the right tools was essential for the job. One tool that stood out to me was the ball joint puller. After researching and experimenting, I’ve compiled a guide that will help you choose the best Subaru ball joint puller for your needs.
Understanding What a Ball Joint Puller Is
Before diving into the buying process, I think it’s important to understand what a ball joint puller actually is. This tool is designed to remove ball joints from their housings without damaging the surrounding components. For someone like me, who enjoys working on my Subaru, having a reliable puller makes the task much more manageable.
Types of Ball Joint Pullers
In my experience, I found that there are several types of ball joint pullers available. Here are the ones I considered:
- Fork Type Pullers: These are the most common and come with a forked end that slides around the ball joint. I found them easy to use but they can sometimes cause damage to the boot if not used carefully.
- C-Clamp Type Pullers: These pullers provide a more controlled removal method. I appreciated how they evenly apply pressure, which reduces the risk of damage. They tend to be a bit more expensive, but I found them worth the investment.
- Hydraulic Pullers: If you’re looking for power, hydraulic pullers are the way to go. They can handle stubborn joints that just won’t budge. However, they are bulkier and may not be necessary for a standard DIY job, which is something I kept in mind.
Key Features to Look For
When I was shopping for a ball joint puller, I looked for a few key features:
- Durability: I wanted a tool that could withstand heavy use. Materials like high-carbon steel are preferable.
- Compatibility: It’s essential to ensure that the puller I chose would work with my specific Subaru model. I made sure to check compatibility ratings before making a purchase.
- Ease of Use: I wanted a tool that was straightforward to operate, especially since I sometimes work alone. The design should allow for quick setup and removal.
- Storage Case: A carrying case was a bonus for me. It helps keep everything organized and makes it easier to store the tool when not in use.
Price Range and Budget
I found that ball joint pullers can range from around $15 for basic models to over $100 for professional-grade tools. My advice is to set a budget based on how frequently you plan to use the tool. If you’re a casual DIYer like I am, you might find a mid-range tool that balances quality and cost effectively.
Brands I Trust
Through my research and personal experience, I’ve come across several brands that consistently deliver quality ball joint pullers. Some of my favorites include:
- OTC: Known for their durable tools, they offer a variety of pullers that are perfect for Subaru vehicles.
- Astro Pneumatic: They provide affordable options that don’t compromise on quality.
- Lisle: I’ve had good luck with their pullers, and they tend to be user-friendly.
Where to Buy
I found several reliable places to purchase a Subaru ball joint puller:
- Local Auto Parts Stores: This is where I initially went to feel the tools in my hands before buying.
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon and eBay offer a wide selection and often have customer reviews that helped me in my decision-making.
- Specialty Tool Websites: Retailers specializing in automotive tools often have better stock and may offer expert advice.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right Subaru ball joint puller can greatly enhance your DIY experience. I encourage you to consider the type of puller that suits your needs, look for essential features, and invest in a reliable brand. With the right tool in hand, I felt empowered to tackle the job with confidence, and I hope you will too!
Author Profile

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I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
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