I think I busted my ball joint!!

ropdave · 03-24-2009, 05:35 PM

'86 N/A 944

So I'm leaving the parking lot and I hear this thump and then tire scraping. I get out and find that my front wheels are both facing in and the drivers side wheel is all out of wack and loose. It looks like the ball joint has popped out of the socket. Of course I have it towed home and now I dread going out and tackling what sounds like a nightmare of a job. It doesn't help that I'm in Seattle and the weather is frankly NASTY!

Is it likely I've done more damage than just the ball joint? If I buy a ball joint rebuild kit, will this fix the problem? I know, just buying the rebuild kit doesn't fix it but will I need anything else???

Thanks in advance,
Dave

drive418 · drive418's Garage

Dave-I had to replace the ball joints last year after one sheared off at the track. Luckily there was no further damage, and the rebuild kits did the trick.

944 boy · 03-24-2009, 08:46 PM

I could come take a look at it if you want. If it popped out (the join out of the arm) then you need to replace the whole A-arm. It's aluminum and if the AL broke and the arm needs to be tossed. I only have late offset arms laying around, but will have spare stock ball joint parts if that is all you need.

The weather does suck, I need to get the car panted but its still far too cold. :-/

mistertate · mistertate's Garage

I bet the weather was nice back when it started making that knocking sound....

Icey1174 · 03-25-2009, 03:55 AM

Rennbay has a nice rebuild kit with brass bushings. I rebuilt mine with that kit 2 years ago and everything is great.

emoore924 · 03-25-2009, 09:40 AM

Go buy lottery tickets. You're lucky as he!! you didn't experience that failure at speed.

ropdave · 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emoore924

Go buy lottery tickets. You're lucky as he!! you didn't experience that failure at speed.

I do count myself lucky - if that had happened about 10 minutes later I would have been doing about 65 and I figure I would have flipped a few times before stopping. Guess the house would have been paid off though

ropdave · 03-25-2009, 04:29 PM

So I guess what I'm hearing is that if the A-arm is not damaged then I could just use the rebuild kit, otherwise I'll need a new A-arm which includes the ball joint. Right?

JonA · 03-25-2009, 04:53 PM

Ball joint is an easy fix and that's probably all you need. Check everything on both sides. If one joint was that bad maybe there are others!!

Jon

SolReaver · 03-25-2009, 05:36 PM

Replace the ball joints in pairs. The other one is not far behind and it is not worth the risk. Besides, You have all the tools out and the car up there...Right?

Zero10 · 03-25-2009, 06:33 PM

If the joint popped out there is no way the a-arm is okay. Check that is what the failure really was then report back.

924RACR · 03-26-2009, 04:14 AM

Ow. Is it all swollen and purple?

I've heard a bag of frozen peas is the way to go...

Oh, wait, the one on the a-arm... nevermind...

powaw · 03-26-2009, 02:38 PM

I agree with zero, if your ball joint came out and you have aluminum a-arms you will need a new one. Just get a used one and rebuild it. I would take it apart first you might need both.

ropdave · 03-26-2009, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zero10

If the joint popped out there is no way the a-arm is okay. Check that is what the failure really was then report back.

I can tell you right now without looking that the ball joint has popped out. I remember vividly the shiny, bright ball hanging in the middle of the air.

Techno Duck · Techno Duck's Garage

Its time to look for a replacement aluminum control arm in that case. The other option is replacing both control arms with the stamped steel versions. Brand new they will run you around $75 for the pair, you will also need the rear casterblock bushing and bushing strap. Other than that, its a relativley cheap way to go and you get basically brand new everything in the front.

If you decide to go with a used aluminum arm, they usually run at the minimum about $50 per side used and you are getting a questionable condition ball joint. Rebuild kit will run you another $200 for both sides about (for the kit with solid bushings..which is the only way to go).

ropdave · 04-09-2009, 08:37 PM

Okay so I ordered a reman control arm & ball joint. Got it yesterday and installed it this morning - took about 90 minutes and I'm back on the road. Of course I need to take it in for an alignment but at least I can stop driving my wife's volvo!