I need to replace my lower ball joints on my DA, I'm just not sure if they have to be pressed out or is there another method??

 

Best bet is to press them out, but I just hammered them out. Then used a malelt to smash it back in. I went to borrow a balljoint press form Autozone, but it's not made for imports so the size were completely off. Hammer worked for me.

 

And don't forget the C-clip if it has one. You can also heat the hub and freeze the ball joint before install, should slide in much easier.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Sam92Teg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">And don't forget the C-clip if it has one. You can also heat the hub and freeze the ball joint before install, should slide in much easier.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Interesting, have you tried that method before?

 

Personally no, but over on G2IC they have, and it will be the method I use soon. You don't even have to torch it, you can just set the hub in the sun for 30 min. Do you think it is a bad idea?

 

naw just wondering, sounds like a great idea if it makes it alot easier.

 

You whack the side of the control arm with a hammer until the balljoint pops out. It's relatively simple and if you're of a average strength a good 4-6 whacks should have it out.
-Rik

 

He is asking how to replace the ball joint, not seperate it from the lower control arm.

 

I found it easier to remove the boot as well. It sucks having a brand new lower ball joint and ripping a boot by pressing it in.

A vise will work as a press as well. Find some impact sockets that work and press out. Get a different socket to press in.

Otherwise the hammer thing will work too. I usually change lower ball joints and wheel bearings at the same time so I make it to a press and do them both.

 

Correct..so seperate the ball join from the arm and then install the new one. When youtighten up the castlenut it'll seat the new balljoint. Job done.

-Rik

 

I will try to replace both ball joints in a week, I'll let everyone know how it went.

 

Just finished doing both sides since I replaced my axles,I got the TRW ball joints at Advance Auto for like $30 each.I took the whole knuckle/hub off,then you have to use snap ring pliers (or a sharpened pair of needle nose pliers) to take the c clips off.Save yourself some hassle and use a large enough socket to fit over the stud on the ball joint and pound away with a 2lb hammer,no heating or other bullshit required,and my DA has 241,000 miles and both came right off.Once you have them out,install the new ball joints using the socket method,once they bottom out,you can see the groove where the c clip goes,install the c clips and your done.You need not take the rotor or dust shield off.Hope this helps and good luck!