Whats the best tool for people have used for getting the ball joint off an octavia? Fork or the clamp shaped ones?

Ive got a couple that ive used on previous fords but before I start this job with the skoda i just want it to go as smooth (and quick) as possible..

Not done octavia ball joint before but done plenty of other cars and i usually find a decent hammer works well and smack where ball joint thread goes through hub not the actual ball joint

Only use the fork one when changing ball joints as it can damage the rubber seals. I used the clamp method after it decided not to come out with the hammer method lol

I'm with Volvomeg, splitter not required.

i'd avoid the forks too- rips up rubbers a treat :( big smack with a big hammer wins everytime for me too

I'm with Volvomeg, splitter not required.

Not always... as I discovered myself.

I have a short stubby fork that managed to avoid damaging though. Ball joint splitters are another matter altogether though.

Just so happens that I changed one of those joints yesterday. It absolutely refused to come off with just a hammer and using a decent crowbar for leverage. Didn't budge at all. I had to go get one of those fork-thingies. And even with that I really had to let go with the hammer, it was jammed good in there. But in the end I managed to get it out and another one in. I agree with not using the fork-thing unless you're replacing the joint, probably not coming off without damaging the seal but that's obviously dependant on how well it's stuck.

New wishbones are going in so if it gets beaten up thats not a worry.

Cos I wont have much time to do the job, and Im still trying to find all my tools... Just wondered if there is a specific size of fork that works best?

its always a PITA if you get the car jacked up then realise you need a really weird socket etc just to finish the job :-(

My fork had a gap of 19mm between prongs and prong length of 70mm. Total length was 200mm, I wouldn't get anything longer or you will not have room to work with it.