Astro Pneumatic Tool Astro 7897 Ball Joint Service Tool Kit and Master Adapter Set

If you have ever been to a repair shop to have your vehicle worked on then it can get REALLY expensive. Even something simple like a ball joint could cost over $600 and your probably thinking why does this matter? Because speaking from a experienced Mechanic like myself, it can get expensive and there isn't anything anyone can do because every vehicle has a set labor time to remove and replace a component. You either pay to have it installed or take the vehicle and drive the vehicle unsafe (even if possible.) Now i am saying this because many way over look a ball joint install as complicated but actually it is not that complicated as you might think. What people get overwhelmed with is that 1. disassembling your vehicle and not remembering how it goes together (and a simple tip is to take pictures with your phone, before and along the way for a refer back to) and 2. this set or others come with a variety of adapters and not knowing which one to correctly use. It doesn't have to be that complicated in my opinion and in fact it isn't if you follow the right steps. I bought this tool for professional use because my old set was just a cheap basic set and got me by for years. Now i personally prefer to replace the ENTIRE control arm and i will explain why. If you were to replace just a ball joint at an example 100,000 km and then at 120,000 km the bushing in the same control arm goes and now you need to replace bushings but as most vehicles bushings are usually not sold separately and the entire control arm needs to be replaced (some vehicles you can replace bushings but some cannot.) The only option is to replace the entire control arm and you wasted money on the ball joint and if you replace the entire control arm you get a new control arm, ball joint, and new bushings. It is more expensive but should save labor in the end because you do not have to press out and press in the ball joint but that is my personally pinion. Yes you can save money on just the ball joint but pay more on labor but replacing the control arm is more expensive but you save on labor but either option is up to yourself and application (this is only for if you are paying someone to do it). Also if you replace the entire control arm you do not need this set just a few hand tools. I knew it was time to upgrade to a more advanced set so i started to look around for a set and was looking at a Snap-on set for $700 and it came with half of this. I looked on Amazon and they had so many options but something always made me come back to this one. The reviews seemed positive so i thought it was a good deal and the price was decent so i decided to purchase the set. When it arrived it was much heavy than i anticipated but that is not a bad thing as that means it's good quality. Opening the set and ensured everything was there and noticed how beefy the "C" frame is. It is really beefy but solid as this can take a beating. It comes with many adapters for most applications which is great.After a few days, i finally got to use this on my own vehicle which i was replacing both lower ball joints (just the ball joints on my 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche. Now your probably thinking i was just explaining replacing the entire control arm but i am doing it for free with the set and spent $35 on both ball joints so it kinda saves me money. Installation was simple, remove the control arm (some you do not need to do because there is enough access to do it on car) but for mine the ball joint in under the axle so i need to remove it. It was easy to press in the ball joint and with give some tips:1. Lube the threads before hand with either oil, transmission fluid, or some WD40, it will make it slide easier.2. Ensure the receiver cup fits the entire joint as when it is pressed through it will fit.3. Keep it straight, and this is able to handle an impact so if you have on it will make the job quicker.4. Follow a service manual for replacement or google some forums or youtube videos before you start, just to ensure you no what you are getting into.After all said and done, it have used this set about 10 times since i purchased that which only has been a month or so, all the receivers are still in good condition and this set is working out great. I have used this set on Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, and some other imports brands so this set is very universal. Now if you are only going to be doing your ball joint once, i would recommend rent a set from your local parts store because then this will sit around and collect dust but if you are going to be doing a couple or are a professional looking for a set like this then i would totally recommend this as this is a fabulous set to own. This will save you money at end instead of taking it too a mechanic and having them install one, and in addition do not relay on the negative reviews because they are mostly doing it wrong. I would totally recommend this set to any DIY or Professional becuase it is a money saver in the long run!

Product looks like it was used, case was in bad shape, the latch was broke when it arrived.the tools are to heavy for the light weight plastic caseI missed the return date by a day.. haven’t had a chance to use it will see how that works out when the time comes

Seems to be a legit tool. Did remove ball joints from gen 2 CRV.You will need a special adapter kit to install the ball joints. This goes for most hondas.https://www.amazon.ca/Powerbuilt-641321-Lower-Joint-Adapter/dp/B005QPLM6UThe steel is mildly better than the 100$ kits.Good base tool but not universal by any means.You want to invest in a shop press and specialty adapter kit if you plan on servicing a honda

If you like to fiddle around being cheap and getting frustrated with crappy tools then keep looking.This kit is the last one. I’m confident it will serve me well for the rest of my life.Built well, good case and strongest C frame I’ve seen. Others at half the price are less again in quality.If you’re going to use it more than once, buy this and be done with it.

Bought this to do the ball joints on my 2002 ram 2500 with the Dana 60 front axle, this kit is garbage, none of the adapters work with my front axle, had to hammer the lowers out and could not get the uppers to press straight due to the angle of the adapters, I’ve used an OTC kit at work on this same axle many times without issue, I will never buy anything from Astro pneumatic again.