Lower Ball Joint

Just removed and replaced lower ball joint using a $30 harbor freight ball joint press tool and an electric impact wrench also from harbor freight. It came off in less than a minute. Overall it’s not that bad of a job like other people are saying.

 

On my to-do list - replacing all 4 front ball joints when I finally get around to pressing in my Whiteline bushings. I may end up writing a new how-to for everyone, with measurements, if there is time.

Who's ball joints did you use, since we can't get OEM? Pro-forged, Moog Problem solver, Mevotech Supreme??

 

Looks like a moog part number. I have those same bj laying around.

 

I bought it at Amazon for $28.00. It’s made by Detroit Axles. Will let you know how they hold up.

 

How many miles did you have on them before replacement? Thanks.

 

About 80,000 miles the rubber boot got rupture and grease were leaking out so I decided to just replaced it. The passenger side is still in good condition.

 

Nice! I didn’t have the same luck as you with replacing them lol

 

What are signs of needing to replace the ball joints other than leaky boots?

 

I know right, the harbor freight electric impact wrench made the whole job easier. I used a breaker and a long pipe and still that mofo doesn’t want to come out. I also replaced a tore cv axle and my needle bearing with an ECGS bushing while I have everything apart.

 

Front end handling will become looser and light feeling, and if its really bad you'll have abnormal tire wear. Ball joints, all the bushings, and inner/outer tierods are really parts that should be proactively replaced at 75k to 100k miles in the ideal world. In my case, I have ruptured lower ball joints, and they still feel fine - but will be the balljoints since I'm at 100k.

 

Did you have to remove the shaft from the hub assembly to get enough movement and clearance?

 

Yes I did.

 

I just replaced both my lower arms with total chaos and gave my self a half day to tackle it. I finished in under 2 hrs was far simpler than i thought was under the impression the cvs had to come out why i dont know.

 

The people who say it's a rough job live in the rust belt.

 

Makes sense i could see how having those lower control arm bolts and obcentrics rusted up could be a real pita.

 

it's not hard with the right tools

it's real hard with hobo method of crappy crescent wrench, vice grips, and large screwdriver...
and bleeding...don't forget the bandages

 

dont forget your snap ring on the top