Changing Ball Joint-Need Help

[SHOMEUP]

Alright basically we all know thursday is gonna be in the 50's which i will have time to chnage my lower ball joint- so what i am asking what should i get before i attempt this procedure- like bolts, screws, hammers, ball joint tool, etc... is there nething to replace while its off- i know im gonna do the end links- is there something im forgetting- also is this a hard job or something that i might not want to do- also i heard that its hard to get the joint off like i need some release tool- im mechanically inclined but like suspension i hate- i luv electrical u might think im insane but springs and ball joints i dont like..nehow please feel free to let me know everything about ball joints...thanx guys

 

[AutoXSHO]

It's a ***** and a half to do, honestly. I'll explain why, but first here's how I did it and what I used.

Parts /tools needed:
* New control arm (duh)
* New Strut rod to control arm nut (recommended)
* New knuckle pinch bolt
* Std. ball joint pickle fork
* Long Pry bar (the lug wrench works okay)

Procedure once the car is up and the wheel off

1. Remove strut rod nut (this is fairly hard in and of itself)
2. Remove pinch bolt in knuckle
3. Remove control arm to frame nut and bolt

Now the control arm is "loose." You have to figure out how to get it off. As I recall, I pried it out of the frame, then popped the ball joint out.

***-> BE CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW THE AXLE TO COME OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION <-***

Installation is "reverse of removal."

The tough part is getting the ball joint/knuckle lined up. The strut rod needs to be installed first. Then the control arm needs to be lined up with the frame. THEN put the ball joint into the knuckle. I'd have an assistant ready to help you push, shove, curse, force, etc everything into alignment. It took me about one hour by myself to get the ball joint into the knuckle!

Sorry so long, good luck.

John V

 

[SHOMEUP]

How bad is it if the axle did come out of the tranny- so this job isnt the easiest and the funniest- this really sux...Does nebody else have ideas and there ways of doing things so i dont go on one mans frustration...thanx guys

thanx man

 

[89 SHO/SC]

Long pry bar is the key. I would remove the pinch bolt and strut bolt first, then use the long pry bar to break the ball joint loose. Wedge it in front of the hub and subframe. Then removed the control arm frame bolt/nut once the ball joint is loose. If the ball joint just doesn't give, then remove the control arm frame bolt. "Tapping" the ball joint with a hammer doesn't hurt either. Also raising the hub assembly using a floor jacket under the rotor (gently!, not much pressure) helps on the install. Some SHOs are easier than others.

I would also recommend grinding off the little alumin. rivet that sticks out of the brake shield. They have been known to tear the new ball joint on install.

If your axle comes out, just pop it back in. But make sure you haven't screwed up the axle seal .. they leak and can be a 'bitch' replacing.