How easy is it to change a lower ball joint?
June 29th, 2015, 06:46 PM
#1
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Harrisonburg, Virginia
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How easy is it to change a lower ball joint?
I have a 69 Delta 88 and the lower ball joint needs to be replaced. How easy is it to replace? I am fairly mechanically inclined, but have it at the shop having the gas tank dropped and cleaned out (I have no lift). I wondered if I should go ahead and bite the bullet and have them do it or do it myself. Is it a press fit or bolt on? Is it riveted? I normally wouldn't hesitate to do the work myself, but Grandpa just passed away Friday (he's the one who gave me the car back in '07) and I am needing it fixed by Wednesday so I can drive grandma in it to the funeral in honor of grandpa.
Last edited by Gaz Hog; June 29th, 2015 at 06:49 PM.
June 29th, 2015, 06:58 PM
#2
Connoisseur d'Junque
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Hudson Valley
Posts: 21,183
Have it done. That time frame is too tight, considering all of the other things you are going to have to do in the next few days.
It is a press fit, and is usually spot welded as well, as I recall.
The entire lower control arm has to come off, which means the spring has to be decompressed.
It's not the hardest job in the world, but if you haven't done it, you can rely on its taking at least a full day, start to finish.
My condolences. I'm sure Grandpa would be glad to have Grandma in his car in the procession.
- Eric
It is a press fit, and is usually spot welded as well, as I recall.
The entire lower control arm has to come off, which means the spring has to be decompressed.
It's not the hardest job in the world, but if you haven't done it, you can rely on its taking at least a full day, start to finish.
My condolences. I'm sure Grandpa would be glad to have Grandma in his car in the procession.
- Eric
June 29th, 2015, 07:16 PM
#3
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Poteau, Ok
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If its at a shop, Eric is right, might be simpler. X2 on your grandfather.
If you decide to do it yourself...If your local auto parts store loans or rents a ball joint press, its very easy and wouldn't take but a couple of hours. You have to jack the car and set the lower control arms on jack stands with enough room to get access to the ball joint. Remove the cotter pin, loosen the nut, and separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle with your preferred choice of tool, bfh or pickle fork. Press the ball joint out of the arm then press the new one in. Tighten, then torque the nut, install cotter pin, pump a small amount of grease in, and your done.
If you decide to do it yourself...If your local auto parts store loans or rents a ball joint press, its very easy and wouldn't take but a couple of hours. You have to jack the car and set the lower control arms on jack stands with enough room to get access to the ball joint. Remove the cotter pin, loosen the nut, and separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle with your preferred choice of tool, bfh or pickle fork. Press the ball joint out of the arm then press the new one in. Tighten, then torque the nut, install cotter pin, pump a small amount of grease in, and your done.
June 29th, 2015, 09:44 PM
#5
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 48,229
This photo gives you an idea, however, the screw part of the tool is supposed to be in line with the body of the ball joint. In reality, you are supposed to use a cup that goes over the ball joint stud and presses on the body of the ball joint, not on the stud that can shift off to the side.
June 30th, 2015, 06:52 AM
#6
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Location: The Hudson Valley
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Well, okay, Joe, but if his ball joint is so bad that it needs to be changed before a slow roll like that, then I would think that he would want to get to his control arm bushings while he's there, etc. etc.
Also, if he hasn't done this job before, even if it's all he's doing, I think he needs to be prepared for trouble (slipped jack, general wrong moves) the first time, which could make the job take longer. He's got a funeral to prepare for in a couple of days - considering the power of Murphy, I just don't think he should mess with it.
- Eric
Also, if he hasn't done this job before, even if it's all he's doing, I think he needs to be prepared for trouble (slipped jack, general wrong moves) the first time, which could make the job take longer. He's got a funeral to prepare for in a couple of days - considering the power of Murphy, I just don't think he should mess with it.
- Eric
June 30th, 2015, 07:36 AM
#9
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Using Murphy's law as an example would prevent us from doing most repairs.... If for some reason the car is not serviceable by either not being able to perform the repair or it leading to other repairs he finds serious enough to address which leads to a change in plans, I'm sure his grandmother will understand.
June 30th, 2015, 07:38 AM
#10
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June 30th, 2015, 07:57 AM
#11
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
I don't know guys. If the car is drivable (likely) it will survive a short trip to a funeral and back. Since the OP says he's mechanically inclined he can tackle the ball joints and anything else he wants after that ride is done. It will also cost a lot less and he can learn about his car at the same time.
Gaz Hog - it's your call. Does the ball joint need immediate repair?
Gaz Hog - it's your call. Does the ball joint need immediate repair?
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