is it supposed to be a tight press-fit into the UCA?

The damned snap-ring keeps popping (under load) and the ball joint comes loose from the UCA (which moves down past the snap-ring groove).

 

I have never just replaced the ball joint by itself. I would always get the arm with it, they are just a press fit, is it seated properly in the arm? the arm is just stamped steel it could have deformed slightly and not holding the ball joint properly.

 

it's entirely possible that the UCA deformed, since I can press in the ball joint by hand.

I took it to a shop to have it pressed out; I assumed it to be press-fit. They may have botched it, in which case I'll ask the manager to cover the cost of a new one.



Modified by slofu at 2:45 PM 8/11/2008

 

pressed out and press fit in correct. i wouldn't do it at home unless i had something to compress it. have it pressed in again. spray wd40 or clean it, so it can slide in easier

 

i ordered a new UCA w/ ball joint included; $50.

It cost more for just for the ball joint and the shop to press it into (and wreck) the old UCA.