What kind of special tool is required for this? I heard it has to be machine pressed but is there any other method to put take the old one out and put the new one on the steering arm?

 

If you're talking about the balljoint at the end of the outer tie rod end of the steering rack, you can't replace that ball joint, you have to buy new outer tie rods. Once you do you're also going to need an alignment.

Let me ask you this though, even if the boot on the balljoint is a little beat up does the wheel have play when you lift the car up and grab one of the front wheels and try to move it? If there is no play then the balljoint is fine even if the boot is a beat up looking.

 

I just bought the ball joint at o-rellys, it's the one behind the disc brakes not the outer tie rod, I forgot to take a pic.

 

There is a special ball joint tool to remove and press them in and an impact hammer works too.

 

yeah you need some special tools. i can get them off with a pry bar, but you need a removal tool to get them out of the lower control arm, and to get the new ones back in. you should be able to rent everything you need at autozone or any of the like stores.

 

Problem solved, thanks.