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02-17-2017, 01:31 PM | #1 |
Lorraine's driver
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 2,442
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Ball joint replacement
I'm wanting to replace my ball joints at home. Is this doable at home? Any tips are welcome!
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02-17-2017, 06:43 PM | #2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Jersey Shore
Posts: 1,349
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Re: Ball joint replacement
Hmmmm I know I did mine they werent too bad. I think I just used a mini sledge and put jack stand under the a arm. I might of had a puller or something but the ball joint separator I bought didnt work. Sorry not much help but its def doable in the driveway. Oh yeah MOOG ball joints here...also did the tie rods at the same time.
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02-17-2017, 08:06 PM | #3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Theodore Alabama
Posts: 282
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Re: Ball joint replacement
I have recently changed mine at home so yes. Jack the car up high so you have room for the rent A tool. You can use an impact on the tool or just tighten it up and smack the top with a hammer , repeat. I heated up the A Arm for the passenger side because it was being stubborn, just a propane torch and done.
Reverse the tool to reinstall.Took about one hour per side depending on Beer consumption! lol |
02-18-2017, 01:24 AM | #4 | |
Lorraine's driver
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 2,442
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Quote:
I was planning on the a set of Steeda X2's. Steeda parts are usually good right? I guess I should consider the tie rods as well. Did you have a prob putting the new ones in without the special tool?
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02-18-2017, 01:26 AM | #5 | |
Lorraine's driver
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 2,442
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Quote:
What do you think about removing the A arm's and taking them to a local shop to have them swap the ball joints out..? The "stubborn" part has me worried haha.
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02-18-2017, 06:56 AM | #6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Jersey Shore
Posts: 1,349
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Re: Ball joint replacement
Steeda stuff is good. Jus dont go with those cheapo autozone ones! The ball joint werent bad at all. I thought they were gonna be worse after the things I had read. You could remove the a arms if you wanted and have someone else do it But Id give it a try for yourself 1st.
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02-18-2017, 12:31 PM | #7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Theodore Alabama
Posts: 282
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Re: Ball joint replacement
I guess it just depends on your Money to Patience ratio !
By stubborn I mean it wasn't coming out fast enough for me ( patience) I just like the challenge and doing it myself and the money I save goes into more mods,not someone else pocket. Having said that ,if they want to charge me 400$ labor to replace my ring and pinion and spider gears with a warranty, that's another story ! |
02-19-2017, 09:47 AM | #8 |
Original Owner
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 5,172
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Re: Ball joint replacement
My humble suggestion...if you are taking the arms out anyway... a good set of MOOG replacement ball joints run @ 50$ or so each...or a little more. When my Dad's mustang had a ball joint break, I got the replacement arms thru LRS for @ $200.00, Got new joints and bushings...
if you are taking the arms out anyway..makes for an easy swap. get grease fittings too if i remember for the joints... Just a suggestion...its not a bad job just doing the ball joints. just get a quality one like MOOG or Steeda, and use the right tool... as always...JMHO
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02-19-2017, 04:35 PM | #9 |
Lorraine's driver
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 2,442
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Thanks guys! Appreciate the info. I think I'll give it a try. It certainly helps not being my daily. I post up if I have questions once I get started.
Instagram: @ab_mach1
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02-21-2017, 03:15 PM | #10 |
AUTOMACHTIC
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: RTP/ N.C.
Posts: 4,813
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Re: Ball joint replacement
Just go and rent the ball joint removal / install tool from a auto parts store . A little WD -40 and they will go in fine.
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02-21-2017, 08:48 PM | #11 |
Moderating at Mach 1
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Posts: 16,273
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Re: Ball joint replacement
Just put a new set of tires on the Mach 1 (Cooper RS3A-S) and checked out the front end, and what do you know? Ball joint time. So I'll be beating and banging on it this coming week, and I agree that putting Moog parts on is the only smart move out there. Everything else seems fine, so 123k in, everything seems to be holding up.
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02-22-2017, 06:16 AM | #12 | |
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Jersey Shore
Posts: 1,349
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Re: Ball joint replacement
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02-22-2017, 06:56 AM | #13 |
Moderating at Mach 1
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Posts: 16,273
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Re: Ball joint replacement
I'm gonna give them a few days before deciding how much I like them or don't. First impressions are good,but launch traction is only fair, but these are new tires so I'll give them a chance to wear in.
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Krewe de la Mach Rouge #340804 13th Mach 1 built 11/07/02 Build Date 12/13/02 Delivery |
02-22-2017, 08:13 AM | #14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Winston-Salem,NC
Posts: 1,802
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Re: Ball joint replacement
I have tried 2 sets on my car recently.The price is good and they handle pretty well for a 300 tw tire but do not hold up to the rigors of track use. I tore big chunks of tread out right down to the cord on all four tires on two different sets so I had to trash them. The chunks seem to have been torn out under braking.
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02-22-2017, 08:35 AM | #15 | |
it's soo-tack
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Fairmont, WV
Posts: 2,082
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Re: Ball joint replacement
Quote:
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