i separted the lower control arm from the steering knuckle balljoint with a large fork. grease spilled out from the balljoint and noticed it started too crack. i dont have special tool to replace the balljoint. i was wonder what kind of driving dangers there are and what are some effects if i dont get the balljoint replaced. thanks.

 

You don't really need any special tools to replace ball joints.. just a 3lb hammer and a punch and pound it till it comes out, some require removing a "C" clip from the bottom so it will come out.. what are the dangers of driving around with a bad ball joint?, none really, just as long as you have the crown nut and a cotter pin to secure it, the ball joint will not come out, the nut and cv joint prevent this from happening.. Ball Joints are disregarded while doing vehicle inspections in the state of NY.. It will however prematurely wear out other related suspension components..


[Modified by BreakStuff, 9:19 PM 6/27/2002]

 

Are you nuts? Do you really think a bad ball joint wont come apart? I'll tell you right now that they will. Usually with an abrupt 90 degree turn into the nearest ditch or tree. Advice like yours is likely to kill someone!!!!!

 

Yes that is true if there is too much clearance and the ball joint actually bounces around in the knuckle, believe me, I thought twice before I wrote,
and thought maybe I shouldn't be giving that response, i guess it all depends upon the degree of damage to the ball joint..

 

Also, don't use a pickle fork to separate the LCA and knuckle, you will tear the balljoint boot everytime. This will cause ALL the grease to escape and before you know, you will be replacing those damn balljoints again.

I use a BFH and hit the LCA near the balljoint, thing pops almost everytime on the 3rd or 4th hit.

my $.02

Later