Ball Joint Questions

[jwakil]

1. Is front ball joint for lower control arm for 930 and 911 the same?
2. I see ball joints ranging from $220 Porsche genuine to $35 for another German sounding aftermarket. I want to get decent quality but don't want to get ripped off either. Why the huge disparity and any suggestions on best bang for buck?
3. Any tips for removal and install. I am ordering the tool to take the big nut off. After that is it just removing the small bolt on the side and hammering it out?

[Dpmulvan]

Originally Posted by jwakil

1. Is front ball joint for lower control arm for 930 and 911 the same?
2. I see ball joints ranging from $220 Porsche genuine to $35 for another German sounding aftermarket. I want to get decent quality but don't want to get ripped off either. Why the huge disparity and any suggestions on best bang for buck?
3. Any tips for removal and install. I am ordering the tool to take the big nut off. After that is it just removing the small bolt on the side and hammering it out?

You’ll need a pickle fork or ball joint separator to remove the old ones. You’ll want the ball joints for turbo tie rods, stock 911’s came with different tie rods. Large nut can be difficult to remove you’ll need a breaker bar at least or a 1/2 impact, a little heat helps.

[mepstein]

Get the socket tool made by Jimmy T (on this site) Superior to the store bought ones.

[walt]

Originally Posted by mepstein

Get the socket tool made by Jimmy T (on this site) Superior to the store bought ones.

I'll second that. Excellent quality.

[proporsche]

yup Jim is the master ,beautiful tool...his email- he does not mind jim@tidwell.org
Ivan
I would suggest to use long bar but not an impact...you can heat up the nut with a butane torch 1st..

looks like this

[Queefchief]

Originally Posted by jwakil

1. Is front ball joint for lower control arm for 930 and 911 the same?
2. I see ball joints ranging from $220 Porsche genuine to $35 for another German sounding aftermarket. I want to get decent quality but don't want to get ripped off either. Why the huge disparity and any suggestions on best bang for buck?
3. Any tips for removal and install. I am ordering the tool to take the big nut off. After that is it just removing the small bolt on the side and hammering it out?

The ball joints should be the same per 930 and 911.

Ball joint socket and separator will be needed to remove. Maybe some PB blaster and heat as well.

As for quality you will find good and bad. Granted it is a service item so just use whatever and keep an eye on it as you go, should be fine

[icarp]

Lemfoder is the brand I choose , and same goes for the turbo tie rods .


Ian

[PeteKz]

Just make sure it's not made in China. Germany, or Euro country should be okay.

[dannobee]

Don't forget that the early 911's don't use the tapered pin (wedge bolt) to hold the ball joint to the strut, but use a clamp style bolt. The ball joints are different.