http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/showthread.php?t=12866

 

Ok well thx for that post...can anyone answer a stupid question..this is makin noise but how long can i leave it..like is this something that can just break...or will it just stay noisey...i think saving n getting a shop maybe a better idea..although i can swap engines..trannies...etc etc..i think i lack the patenice..

 

You can run with a bad ball joint for a while if you dont mind the noise or steering slop, but you could probably get the whole thing done in 2-3 hours if you have a ball joint press ( [ame]http://www.amazon.com/OTC-6297-Ball-Joint-Separator/dp/B0015PN010/ref=sr_1_9?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1365731365&sr=1-9&keywords=ball+joint+press[/ame] ) and 1 7/8" socket.

 

I wore out a good set of tires due to a bad ball joint. having the ball joints replaced was cheaper than the set of tires I had to put on. you can run for a while, but it will wear your tires out faster from them flopping around and out of alignment.

 

Just replaced both of mine 2 days ago. I pulled the steering knuckle as well cleaned and repack the wheel bearings at the same time. Make sure you have new seals, the entire job took me about 6 hours, you do not need a ball joint press these ball joints are bolt in not pressed in. 1 7/8" socket with a large breaker bar for the lower. Then hammer it out and put in your new one. The ball joint part number in Moog is K80591. The outer seal SKF part # is 22230, Inner (seal at knuckle/cv shaft) part #19689- this one may not need to be replaced. Otherwise just basic socket/ wrench set.

 

^They're pressed in stock. You must have aftermarket control arms. Unless you're talking about the lowers... but you still have the uppers to deal with.

The ball joint press is a very good idea. I got mine at NAPA (they can order it in) for less than that Amazon one.

 

^They're pressed in stock. You must have aftermarket control arms. Unless you're talking about the lowers... but you still have the uppers to deal with.

The ball joint press is a very good idea. I got mine at NAPA (they can order it in) for less than that Amazon one.

This whole post is about lowers!

 

This whole post is about lowers!

You have to take the upper ball joint out of the spindle to get at the lower. That's what the tool k-man suggested is for.

 

^He's got ya there.

 

If you have AC uppers its just 4 bolts, but the stock uppers and tie rod ends can be a b&#$h without it.

 

i'll tell you from personal experience. DO NOT NEGLECT OLD BALL JOINTS.

I did, and my upper ball joint BROKE going around a corner at like 15mph.
If i wasn't going to my friends house after work, then i would have been on the freeway and probably would have died.

Get that shit done

 

thats a 22mm nut that attaches the upper bj to the knuckle/spindle.. so yes youre right you have to remove the upper but theres still no bj press involved