Ball Joint Replacement Procedure w/pics

[MMeier]

9 months later ...

... how they holding up ?

 

[mwilson]

So far, so good. I have put the truck up for the winter to keep it out of the calcium and crap. I will check the joints this spring for tolerances and will post results. I have put about 12,000 miles or so on them so far.



It does need a steering box which I am going to replace before running it too much farther. I strongly believe that between the frozen ball joint and the thrashing I gave the box getting the stinking wheel bearings started out of the knuckles led to it's demise.



Mike

 

[guldam]

Found this thread and thought it was incredibly informative. And since I need ball joints it really clarifies a lot of questions I had.



One lingering question is the axles. No details here on removing them to get to the ball joints. How? How difficult? Images?



GulDam

 

[WoodChuck]

Once you get the unit bearing off the axle slides right out. Just be carefull of the seals which are located inboard at the pumkin.

 

[Prairie Dog]

What a great thread - it deserves a sticky!!!

BTW, what did you do with the brake calipers? Did you remove them or did you just tie them up somehow?

 

[mwilson]

If you look closely at picture # 1, you can see that I hang them from the upper arm. I just use wire ties (several) or sometimes just a rubber bungie. Make sure that you use something substantial to hold them, I think that they are heavy enough to damage the hose if they were to fall. :{



Also take and wire tie the tie rod up so that it doesn't interfere with the process.



Also, thanks for the compliments. It means a lot that I did a good thing!!!!!!

 

[AWise]

How are they holding up 1yr later? Now that it is warm outside again.

 

[ryecreek]

Great info

BUT the easy way to get the knuckle off the axle is (like you said leave the nuts loose) and a few raps with a 4# hammer on the knuckle at the ball joint top to bottom connection and it will(should ) fall right down

WAY TO MAKE A OTC/STANDARD PRESS KIT WORK

 

[vahunters]

AWESOME! Your post will save me some money on the left side of my truck when I attempt the same repair. Great job!