Replacement of Ball Joints

[NC_Mog]

Is the ball joint press a required tool for replacement of ball joints? If so, has anyone been successful with renting one at a place like Autozone? Mine need to be replaced soon, and I'm debating whether to spring for my own press or not. BTW, only 58k on the truck.

 

[JFaughn]

I've been into the repair buis. for some time and have change many without , but thats after doing some with a press , then when I had my own shop , I thought it was worth having my own press , make it easyer and quiker , witch made more $$$ .
If you haven't done them before and do not have impacked hammers , I would suggest [buying] or renting .

 

[nick05]

i've got a ball joint tool kit that is about $90 i think i got it. it looks like a big c-clamp. comes with a bunch of adapters and you operate it with an impact gun and socket. not too bad of an operation. best of luck whichever way you go.

 

[rbattelle]

I would say a press is required. Can't imagine attempting to do it any other way (although as John points out it's possible if you're good).



Here's a discussion about it.



-Ryan

 

[NC_Mog]

Does anyone know the depth of the clamp sold by Quad? I'm going to stop by the local Autozone and see what they have in their rental selection. I've done quite a bit in the past without the right tools. With the summer seemingly here in NC (90 deg today), I don't relish the thought of driving my 3rd, un-air conditioned vehicle to work if I screw up. I must be getting soft.

 

[rbattelle]

Does anyone know the depth of the clamp sold by Quad? I'm going to stop by the local Autozone and see what they have in their rental selection. I've done quite a bit in the past without the right tools. With the summer seemingly here in NC (90 deg today), I don't relish the thought of driving my 3rd, un-air conditioned vehicle to work if I screw up. I must be getting soft.

I don't know, but if you find out let us know. I am still completely torn on what I should get.



-Ryan

 

[CJPerry]

I used the balljoint press from Autozone when I changed mine, but I had to buy a balljoint press cup kit from Harbor Freight. The cups that come with the Autozone kit are not large enough.

 

[NC_Mog]

My local Autozone doesn't have a ball joint press. I'll probably spring for the Quad kit that comes with the 4 joints and the press. My guess is that it will be cheaper than the dealer.

 

[NC_Mog]

If you replace the ball joints with the factory non-adjustable joints, do you need an alignment?

 

[rbattelle]

If you replace the ball joints with the factory non-adjustable joints, do you need an alignment?

I don't know for sure, but I suppose if you carefully maintain the locations of the tie rod ends, then you probably won't need an alignment.



-Ryan

 

[steved]

Has anyone drilled the replacement joints out for zerks yet??



I'm thinking I might need balljoints soon... the Napa greaseables are $360 versus Quad's $220...



steved

 

[rbattelle]

I'm thinking I might need balljoints soon... the Napa greaseables are $360 versus Quad's $220...

That's nuts. Rock Auto has Moog adjustable uppers (with grease fitting, I believe) for $97 each and AC Delco lowers (probably not greaseable) for $77 each.



Or were the prices you posted for all 4 joints?



... Answered my own question - those prices are for all 4.



-Ryan

 

[steved]

That's nuts. Rock Auto has Moog adjustable uppers (with grease fitting, I believe) for $97 each and AC Delco lowers (probably not greaseable) for $77 each.



Or were the prices you posted for all 4 joints?



... Answered my own question - those prices are for all 4.



-Ryan

Last time I did math...



$97+$97+$77+$77 was $348... umm $12 is significant how... ?



Engage brain before fingers type... :-laf



Yes, $360 is for all four greaseable, from Napa... It was actually something like $357 and change.



One guy just replaced his and I guess they seize into the knuckle as bad as the hubs do...



steved

 

[NC_Mog]

I don't know for sure, but I suppose if you carefully maintain the locations of the tie rod ends, then you probably won't need an alignment.



-Ryan

That is what I'm thinking. If I only do one side at a time and don't play with the tie rod ends, then nothing would change. I'm going to take one last look underneath to make sure the ball joints are the only items requiring replacement, then I'm ordering the kit (w/ puller) from Quad.

 

[rbattelle]

That is what I'm thinking. If I only do one side at a time and don't play with the tie rod ends, then nothing would change. I'm going to take one last look underneath to make sure the ball joints are the only items requiring replacement, then I'm ordering the kit (w/ puller) from Quad.

Also bear in mind your hub/bearing assemblies are probably electrochemically welded (ie rusted) in place and you might destroy them trying to remove them. I know it's extremely expensive, but you might want to consider buying new ones to have on hand just in case.



And while you're in there, why not replace the u-joints too? Precision "Super Tough" joints with grease fittings are only around $20 each at Rockauto.com.



-Ryan