Is this ball joint a problem that must be fixed right away? It is from the rear lower control arm.

Is there play on it? If not, grease it up. If there is play, ya, it should be fixed but it'* not going to simply fail.

WOW. There seems to be some serious rust on your car. I see you are from BC and I was not aware cars are rusting there. I am in Winnipeg Manitoba and it looks more like a car from around here.

Would I check for play by jacking up the car at the frame then flexing the wheel to find play? I couldn't see play, but I was supporting the car on the control arm.


There is lots of rust in places. But the original owners had the underbody treated so most of the unibody structure, including where the rear mount of the engine cradle, is good. The rocker panels are not in great shape. However, POR-15 seems to have been the best for rust checking. Other common rust paints have done very little to prevent rust.

I would say give it a few shots of grease and it should be fine. Just don't grease it till it comes out.

I suppose I could try. The grease nipple was heavily corroded as well. I may be able to clean it off and grease it.

If I need to replace it, will I need to get a spring compressor? Is it likely to require Danthur'* mallet to knock out? Bottom line, In know there are some jobs best left for the pro. Is this one of those, considering I'm the kind of guy how can change engine and tranny oil confidently?

It'* not to hard, compressing the springs would help. You just need to push down the lower control arm and it should pop right out.