ball joint replacement

[tmk]

Need any tips on ball joint replacement. Is this a hard job? Will the alignment need to be reset?

Thanks
TMK
73 2.1L

[djs]

This can be a difficult job, but having the right tools makes it easier. I did the ball joints and tie rods on my '75 not too long ago, so it's fresh in my mind.

The ball joints are screwed into the control arms with a fair amount of torque, and after many years and miles, they can be difficult to break loose. I found I needed to use a breaker bar and the special ball joint removal socket to replace mine. Based on how tricky it was to make the socket stay on the nut (upside down) while pulling on the breaker bar, you may want to consider using an air rachet with the socket, if available. You will be pulling the bar at an oblique angle, and it's easy for the socket to slip off the ball joint nut while pulling on the bar.

Installation is the reverse of removal, and technically, you should get your alignment checked after this job, especially if your old ball joints were significantly worn.

I would recommend following the instructions in the Haynes (or similar) manual. Because the control arm is sprung, you can support it with a jack or blocks of wood and simply separate the ball joint from the strut by removing the pin (or bolt, depending on year).

The ball joint removal socket should be available from Pelican.

[BenI]

If you dont mind chewing up the outside of the special ball joint castlated nut, a giant pipe wrench is one of the easiest ways to remove the nuts. Use lots of penetrant, tap it, maybe use a torch to heat it up if its really stuck. I made a tool to get the nuts off. Used 3/4" box-end beam and welded two pieces of key stock on to fit into the notches in the nut. Good luck!

[Jim Smolka]

Other tips,

I recommend replacing the double tappered pin. Pelican has these also.

Use of the tool and impact is a good Idea.


You also might need a ball joint fork.

I also recommend using anti seize on the botton nut.

Make the the ball joint is properly seated before you tighten it back up.

IMHO

------------------
Smoke Daddy

[tmk]

Thanks to all. I could not get the nut off with a pipe wrench. It would not stay on it would just keep falling to one side. So I got my 3# mini sledge hammer and a large punch. Three good hits and it was loose. I then used a air chisel with a fork to remove it.


TMK
73 2.1L