Replacing Ball Joints
#1
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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!
#2
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS
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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.
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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
#7
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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 )
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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.
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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.
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