I have death wobbles. Real bad. So I jacked the car up on the passenger side and inspected the wheel for play. There's literally 1/8-1/4 inch play. Its a wonder I didn't die driving it. I had been driving it up in the mtns. to shoot guns and stuff. Haha.(livin on the edge.)
Anywho, I discovered that the ball joint is where the play was originating.
I dont have much time to turn wrenches at the moment so when i do i like to know EXACTLY what im getting into in order to have all the necessary tools/parts. So my question is what exactly is required for this job? Which tools should I make sure to acquire? Any recommendations on parts? I looked but did not see a write up on the process. Is there one anywhere I might utilize?
Thanks guys!
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Ball joint help
Moderators: Helpinators, Moderators
Re: Ball joint help
Ball joints are easy and with minimal tools.
19mm wrench
14mm socket
Hammer (5 lbs)
12mm wrench & socket
Unbolt sway bar end link from control arm.
Loosen the 19mm nut on the ball joint, but don't remove it.
With the hammer tap on the control arm where the ball joint goes thru and it will come loose. Others use a pickle fork for this but I found doing this method you don't destroy a good joint with the fork.
Remove the 14mm bolt that holds the joint to the knuckle, and tap on the control arm tell loose.
Then reverse the process with the new joint.
19mm wrench
14mm socket
Hammer (5 lbs)
12mm wrench & socket
Unbolt sway bar end link from control arm.
Loosen the 19mm nut on the ball joint, but don't remove it.
With the hammer tap on the control arm where the ball joint goes thru and it will come loose. Others use a pickle fork for this but I found doing this method you don't destroy a good joint with the fork.
Remove the 14mm bolt that holds the joint to the knuckle, and tap on the control arm tell loose.
Then reverse the process with the new joint.
Charles
90' White/Gray Outback DD workhorse (670,xxx) miles
92' Onyx Metallic (430,xxx) Wife's DD
68' Barracuda formula S 340 4spd coupe (ongoing project)
66' Mustang 2+2 4spd wife's (ongoing project)
90' White/Gray Outback DD workhorse (670,xxx) miles
92' Onyx Metallic (430,xxx) Wife's DD
68' Barracuda formula S 340 4spd coupe (ongoing project)
66' Mustang 2+2 4spd wife's (ongoing project)
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Re: Ball joint help
@rallyak thank you! I really appreciate your detailed description! I will get it done the next chance I get when I'm not bogged down with studying. For now, the legacy will be confined to the driveway:(
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Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk
Re: Ball joint help
The toughest part with ball joints is if they are rusted and stuck in the spindle. They may take a little bit of persuasion.
Josh
surrealmirage.com/subaru
1990 Legacy (AWD, 6MT, & EJ22T Swap)
2020 Outback Limted XT
If you need to get a hold of me please email me rather then pm
surrealmirage.com/subaru
1990 Legacy (AWD, 6MT, & EJ22T Swap)
2020 Outback Limted XT
If you need to get a hold of me please email me rather then pm
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- First Gear
- Posts: 201
- Joined: Thu Apr 19, 2012 7:42 pm
Re: Ball joint help
The legacy is sitting in the driveway right now. I have been driving my daily while i find time to fix the legacy. So I'll soak it with pb!
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Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk
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- First Gear
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Re: Ball joint help
I'm having trouble removing the ball joint from the control arm. If pb blasted it etc. Any suggestions?
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Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk
Re: Ball joint help
Did you get the ball joint out? I've had to use a pry bar to help spread the spindle apart. That and a pickle fork are what you need.
Josh
surrealmirage.com/subaru
1990 Legacy (AWD, 6MT, & EJ22T Swap)
2020 Outback Limted XT
If you need to get a hold of me please email me rather then pm
surrealmirage.com/subaru
1990 Legacy (AWD, 6MT, & EJ22T Swap)
2020 Outback Limted XT
If you need to get a hold of me please email me rather then pm
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- First Gear
- Posts: 201
- Joined: Thu Apr 19, 2012 7:42 pm
Re: Ball joint help
Man I FINALLY got it. I literally had to use 3 feet worth of piping as a breaker bar and my entire body weight to dislodge it. PB blaster everyday as well.
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Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk