Replacing Ball Joints
06-20-2006, 12:00 PM
#1
Senior Member
Certified Car Nut
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,308
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Replacing Ball Joints
I'm having suspension/steering issues which could relate to the ball joints. I want to replace them for piece of mind too. I'm pretty sure I can tackle them myself and would like some instructions from those that have done them (as well as ballpark price range for the ball joints and anything else relevant). Thanks!
06-20-2006, 12:43 PM
#2
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS
Expert Gearhead
Jack it up..
Grind/drill out the factory rivets, undo the nut and cotter pin on top of the joint where it mates to the spindle. replace and bolt new one in.
Grind/drill out the factory rivets, undo the nut and cotter pin on top of the joint where it mates to the spindle. replace and bolt new one in.
06-20-2006, 02:10 PM
#5
Senior Member
Certified Car Nut
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,308
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The drilling does sound like a PITA! I'd rather not stress over repairing things myself, but if I get it done and save money it'll all be worth it.
Master cylinders are easier than they sound
Master cylinders are easier than they sound
06-20-2006, 02:33 PM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by bonnie94ssei
What size drill bit do I need to drill the rivets out so as not to screw up the control arm?
I'll need an alignment afterwards right? :?
I'll need an alignment afterwards right? :?
I did the ball joints on my 95 SE.... I broke 2 drill bits and almost burned up a drill.... Oh killed a grinding disc too.... Those rivets were meant to be there for a lifetime... But I got them out and replaced the ball joint with TRW joints... A massive PITA if you ask me( but then I'd do it all over again if one of the bonnies needed Ball joints )
__________________
Best Car Insurance | Auto Protection Today | FREE Trade-In Quote
06-20-2006, 03:00 PM
#8
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Metro Detroit
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I replaced the ball joints on my car, took the control arms up to a shop and had the old ones taken off the arm. He used a torch to heat it up and then used an air chisel to pop the rivets out. They're probably hardened steel, hence next to impossible to drill. If I had to do it over again I would just see if I could get a whole new control arm with the ball joint riveted to it like factory.
06-20-2006, 03:04 PM
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by 98SSE
I replaced the ball joints on my car, took the control arms up to a shop and had the old ones taken off the arm. He used a torch to heat it up and then used an air chisel to pop the rivets out. They're probably hardened steel, hence next to impossible to drill. If I had to do it over again I would just see if I could get a whole new control arm with the ball joint riveted to it like factory.
__________________
Best Car Insurance | Auto Protection Today | FREE Trade-In Quote
