Anybody have any experience with lower ball joints?

MATCHBX · 05-01-2005

On a 1st gen awd?

Terina hit a pothole and her lower ball joint needs to be replaced before we can have an alignment done. In the manual it says the entire lower control arm has to be replaced. Although we were able to buy just the ball joint.

My question is, how difficult is it to get the old ball joint out of the control arm and what extra tools do I need?

Thanks

x-pride · 05-01-2005

its not tough but easier done with a buddy...go to auto zone for free tool rental...they have a ball joint removal tool and tie rod end tool. You will also need a 5 pound hammer and a tie rod end fork to get the ball joint loose from the rotor.

good luck..

MATCHBX · 05-01-2005

Ok. So how did you get the ball joint out of the lower control arm? Which tool are you referring too? Details rather than generalizations. I am a mechanic so I know how to replace things. I just haven't done one on a DSM yet. I looked at it the other day and it looked different from what I'm used to.

x-pride · 05-01-2005

Go to autozone and get the ball joint removel press..very generic tool that comes with different cup/rings to place over the ball joint.also comes with instructions on how to use it...if you are a mechanic then you will be familar with this tool...go to autozone and ask to see it...

A//// Guy · 05-01-2005

I replaced both of my front ball joints. I believe we just pushed them out in the vise using a cup that would fit over the joint and push it out the back. Like a reverse bishing install. If its stuck heat it up a little other wise pound on it and them squeeze it out. IT will be metal on metal so rust acumulates and seizes it in there prettty good.

We did that about 2 years ago and last fall one of them loosened up and I had to replace the entire control arm becuase there was just too much play, it clicked whenever the wieght shifted in the car (turns and such). If yours was knocked loose from a pothole Im wondering if in a little while after you replace it, will it loosen again like mine did?

Its up to you but if the stock one got loose the new one might too.

MATCHBX · 05-01-2005

I think it probably split the cup a little where the ball sits. It's not loose in the control arm.

A//// Guy · 05-01-2005

Oh well then just replace it. Mine had 200k miles on them and I didnt get the ball joints from mitsu, that might be why it loosened up a little, enough to wiggle out by hand. The other side we replaced is holding up fine for now.

So just keep an eye on it, youll know if its loose, it will tick and creak.

MATCHBX · 05-01-2005

Got the new ball joint in. It came out easier than I thought it would. Thanks Peter.

1slowdsm · 05-01-2005

What the heck! I had that same problem with my car and when I went over to Kline Mitsu they told me I had to get the whole control arm and that the ball and the control arm was a one piece. I'm never going back to that place to have my car fixed ever again. They screwed me over TWICE and I was a dumbass and new but did nothing about it. They forgot my cotterpin on my tie rod and it came loose while I was driving and went halfway into a ditch.

A//// Guy · 05-01-2005

The dealer wont sell just teh balljoint I believe, that is why I went to checker or Napa or Red rooster. They ussualy carry those seperate... but then you run the risk of what happened to me- had to eventually buy the whole arm anyway.