Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Lower ball joint

[mstimac]

Well after 95000 miles the right lower ball joint decided to give up. Had upper and lower replaced today with greasable types for $198 including labor. Definitely couldn't beat the price. Would have done it myself but I don't have a press and by the time I removed the knuckle and axle shaft I figured it was worth the 100 in labor. . Definitely not much room between the upper ball joint grease fitting and the u joint!

 

[Ben Rumson]

I've done both side myself using a balljoint press from Autozone. $50 deposit and you get it all back when you return the press - no cost to use it.



One side is now greasless the other uses zirks. The tollerance is soo close on the top ball joint that I have to remove the top zirk completely and reinstall it twice a year to juice it up.



I put an almost flush plug in the hole during the rest of the year to keep debris out.

 

[The patriot]

Guys, there is a specialised fitting so that you can grease these. It's really for a K-car.

Slides on the fitting on a 90 deg angle.

I put up a part # and brand name a while back, but I dont have it handy here.

It was $10. 00 or $12. 00. Pretty cheap compared to pulling out fittings, and I now grease at every oil change.

Eric