Questions about aluminum ball joints

[dcrasta]

looks like the Mercedes Benz style tool :

BMW Mercedes Ball Joint Separator Remover Tool # 1257 | eBay

[924CarreraGTP]

Sweet, that looks pretty simple. I think I even have a pickle fork simular enough to that to do the job. Thanks again to all.

[stepson]

Pickle fork will mess up the dust boots. But I guess that doesn't matter if you're using new ball joints.

[MPDano]

Whew!! I just took some pics and I think I just dodged the bullet here. The Magnet stuck and also the Ball Joint assembly is the Curvy one and not the non-curvy Aluminum one.

[19psi]

So is there any rule as to when the aluminum ball joints should be replaced? Do I need to start worrying at 80K miles or now at 46K miles?

[Plexus928]

Originally Posted by 19psi

So is there any rule as to when the aluminum ball joints should be replaced? Do I need to start worrying at 80K miles or now at 46K miles?

29 years since Porsche replaced them on production line, I believe the early alloy type were replaced under a recall.
(the 29 years part is the clue. Replace!)

[SanDiego928]

Originally Posted by MPDano

Whew!! I just took some pics and I think I just dodged the bullet here. The Magnet stuck and also the Ball Joint assembly is the Curvy one and not the non-curvy Aluminum one.

You did for sure. Congrats. Your pics helped me alot.

[Mrmerlin]

So is there any rule as to when the aluminum ball joints should be replaced? Do I need to start worrying at 80K miles or now at 46K miles?

^^^^^ If this is a serious question then here is the serious answer,
replace the lower ball joints ASAP

[SanDiego928]

I have finally realized the quote "you are 10k away from owing a 5k dollar 928" is truth.

But for such a fun car to drive and it being a hobby and learning experience, roll up the sleeves and have at it, should be the 928 motto.

Many ASAP's from knowledgable folks and I believe em.

[19psi]

Originally Posted by Mrmerlin

So is there any rule as to when the aluminum ball joints should be replaced? Do I need to start worrying at 80K miles or now at 46K miles?

^^^^^ If this is a serious question then here is the serious answer,
replace the lower ball joints ASAP

Yes it's a serious question. If they were all failing at 100K+ miles, I'm not going to waste my time dicking around with them now.

And another serious question is how the #### did Porsche get away without recalling all affected cars? It's a safety issue that should be covered at no charge. Only recall I can find for an 82 has to do with front brake hoses. I did however find one post from a guy who had his lower ball joints replaced for free back in '99.

[924CarreraGTP]

Yeah my car is still a DS VIN car. So it's an early '83. It sucks balls that I have to replace them.

[MPDano]

Originally Posted by 924CarreraGTP

It sucks balls that I have to replace them.

[AirtekHVAC]

Leo,

Pardon my ignorance, but what is the red, brake pad looking thing in your first couple photos.... I can't figure it out...

[MPDano]

Originally Posted by AirtekHVAC

Leo,

Pardon my ignorance, but what is the red, brake pad looking thing in your first couple photos.... I can't figure it out...

That's a magnet used in welding things together. It's the only magnet I have to test the steel versus aluminum.

[Mrmerlin]

George its way past too late for Porsche to swap out your aluminum BJs ,
at this point your well versed on the results of not changing them,
so if you dont,
it may just mean your car goes to the junk yard sooner than later.

Take responsibility and fix the bad parts and drive the car,
thats what I would do

[dcrasta]

Originally Posted by 924CarreraGTP

Yeah my car is still a DS VIN car. So it's an early '83. It sucks balls that I have to replace them.

Better safe than sorry. If you have the old style ball-joints get them out. Not only are you risking your health and your car, but other people as well.

Its not that tough a job to do. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being changing the oil, 10 being pulling the transmission) I would rate this as a 3 (just a little harder than doing your tie-rods) ..

At least you dont have to do your torque tube

[neil30076]

I don't believe there was ever any recall, i bought my 81 back in 81, and never got any notices. Still have it, still have the original parts at 131k, will be uograding shortly

[SanDiego928]

Originally Posted by neil30076

I don't believe there was ever any recall, i bought my 81 back in 81, and never got any notices. Still have it, still have the original parts at 131k, will be uograding shortly

I was going to ask you that the next time I saw you. I am still flabbergasted that you bought yours in 81, and the color, wow. You smart guy....

[AirtekHVAC]

Thanks Leo! Lol...I thought it was some new fangled fancy part that I needed to obtain!

[MPDano]

Originally Posted by AirtekHVAC

Thanks Leo! Lol...I thought it was some new fangled fancy part that I needed to obtain!

Even if you wanted one, it's like $2 at Harbor Freight.