 Ball Joint Replacement |
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 Jul 23 2007, 08:29 AM
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#1
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 Eats and sleeps DSM jargin.  Group: Members Posts: 1,995 Joined: 27-November 04 From: Yates City IL Member No.: 389  |
Has anyone had experience pressing in new lower control arm ball joints?
I see there are replacement ball joints available for the auto parts stores. Most of what I read in the forums say to replace the whole control arms, but I have heard/read from a few different sources that it is possible to press in new ones. -------------------- 92 Eagle Talon TSI AWD "The Black Golfball" How fast can a 14B go???
91 Chevy C1500 "Problem Child" **SOLD** 01 Impala DD 07 Trailblazer Wife's new DD Cars run on blood, sweat, and horsepower... Without the first two, you can't get the last" SOB Racing "Sitting On Blocks" |
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Jul 23 2007, 01:37 PM
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#2
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 Zen Master DSM Group: Moderators Posts: 3,008 Joined: 10-January 01 From: in front of you Member No.: 5 |
I've never done it myself, but I've heard you can either use a press to put in new ones or leave them in the freezer overnight and then hammer/press them in while their still really cold.
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Jul 23 2007, 03:30 PM
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#3
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DSMCentral Godfather Group: Admin Posts: 3,823 Joined: 10-January 01 From: Washburn Member No.: 26 |
I've pressed on in on my car back in the day. I've got a press if you need to use it. You will need to pull the control arm out of the car to use it.
-------------------- In Loving memory of David T Crebo
Greatness comes from the most unexpected places!  |
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Jul 23 2007, 06:40 PM
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#4
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Eats and sleeps DSM jargin. Group: Members Posts: 1,995 Joined: 27-November 04 From: Yates City IL Member No.: 389 |
Intially I started think I could just press on the ball joint after some research today. But as I looked closer at the control arms I noticed they are junk. The rear mounts are dished out and no longer fit the new bushings. The dial caliper in the picture is set for the new poly bushing ID.
 So I decided to practice removing ball joint. Rented a nice set from Advance. Popped the one side right off. The arm are pretty scuzzy:  I got a couple leads on new lowers. TJ and Cory from here might have a set. We'll hopefully find out tomorrow. -------------------- 92 Eagle Talon TSI AWD "The Black Golfball" How fast can a 14B go???
91 Chevy C1500 "Problem Child" **SOLD** 01 Impala DD 07 Trailblazer Wife's new DD Cars run on blood, sweat, and horsepower... Without the first two, you can't get the last" SOB Racing "Sitting On Blocks" |
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Jul 23 2007, 09:35 PM
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#5
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DSM Tech Wizard Group: Members Posts: 2,404 Joined: 16-December 03 From: Fletcher/Bloomington Member No.: 214 |
I've put new ball joints in before. Not a fun time though.
Best idea is when you get the old ones out with a press, put the new ball joints in the freezer for about 12 hrs. Don't take them out until you're literally ready to put them in immediately. Before you go to put them in, heating the arm up with a torch will help make it really easy. The arm will be really hot, the ball joint really cold, which gives just enough room for that joint to slide right in. -------------------- "I hear he tunes the space shuttle also...and that thing is fast"
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Jul 23 2007, 11:26 PM
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#6
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 Eats and sleeps DSM jargin. Group: Members Posts: 1,985 Joined: 30-June 03 From: Peoria, IL Member No.: 150 |
I have also put new ball joints in my original lower control arms..... I did not use the freeze and heat method, but I used a "break-a-tool" ball joint press kit from autozone..... not that bad.
not sure why but it seemed that they were going in crooked, but with just a bit more force, they litterally "popped" right in place. I also think that roadrace engineering sells complete tubular control arm upgrades if that is an option for you. -------------------- You CAN sleep in your car, but your CAN NOT race your house!!!
------------------------------------------------------- Double Decker spoilers are uber ricerlicious!!!!  |
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