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Ball joint help

Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 5:05 pm
by killajamal
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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Re: Ball joint help

Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 8:14 pm
by rallyak
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.

Re: Ball joint help

Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 9:15 pm
by killajamal
@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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Re: Ball joint help

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 4:33 am
by Legacy777
The toughest part with ball joints is if they are rusted and stuck in the spindle. They may take a little bit of persuasion.

Re: Ball joint help

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 4:43 am
by killajamal
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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Re: Ball joint help

Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2014 8:28 pm
by killajamal
I'm having trouble removing the ball joint from the control arm. If pb blasted it etc. Any suggestions?

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Re: Ball joint help

Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2014 4:28 am
by Legacy777
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.

Re: Ball joint help

Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2014 4:52 am
by killajamal
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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