Slide the open end of the ball joint press on top of the boot. A scary thought! By Jerry Perez - August 3, 2015 This article applies to the Dodge Ram 2nd and 3rd generation (1994-2008). What Is Done during a Ball Joint Replacement The car will need to be jacked up first as tires need to be removed to get at the ball joint. Once the vehicle passes 90,000 miles, the ball joints should be checked every 30,000 miles. Ball Joint Press: Usually borrowed from an auto parts store Ball Joint Separator: Usually borrowed from an auto parts store but it only costs $20 Hammer: Used to provide the force to drive the Ball Joint Separator Wrenches/Sockets: The appropriate sizes to fit the lug nuts, ball joint castle nuts, etc. 9: You are now ready to remove the ball joints from your suspension arms. 9 years ago I pushed the threaded knuckle out only. Is the component that remained part of what will be replaced? The details were indicated and the pictures were helpful. Install the hub and dust boot. Jul 31, 2017 at 8:36 PM #10 #10. hoarder23 Truck fell over. It's yet another tool you can borrow from Autozone, O'reilly's, Advance Auto, etc. The basic tools you will need to replace a ball joint are: The replacement ball joint; 8mm hex head wrench; 22mm or 15/16″ combination wrench; ball joint separator tool (also called a ‘pickle fork’) hammer; First you will want to diagnosis the problem. You can replace ball joints at home in an afternoon's time, with the right tools and the right know-how. Ball-joint replacement is typically not listed on a vehicle’s maintenance schedule, but many manufacturers recommend they be inspected for wear at regular intervals, such as at oil changes. If you’re unsure about the condition of the ball joints in a car, then speak to a garage about good quality replacements. Ball joints deteriorate if dirt, grit and impurities get inside or grease escapes, leading to a lack of lubrication. 10. Read on to learn how to replace them when they wear out. In the end, it would've saved me 30 minutes trying to avoid sparks and molten metal. Replace cotter pin. Ball joints are a part of your vehicle's suspension system that connect the steering knuckles to the control arms. First, remove the cotter pin and castle nut. In the end a slight misalignment is corrected because at the end, the joint is pressed flush, bringing it into alignment, and besides, the joint is there to give flexibility. Remove the steering knuckle. In "sudden" or "hard stop" situations, you will feel a noticeable clunk. Some vehicles have ball joints welded into the control arm. Design and 3D Print a Modern and Cozy Reading Light. Worst case scenario you bend the pins back and forth until they break off enough to fit a socket over the castle nut and just put your back into it, the nut will shear off the pin. Insert brake rotor. Use an 18mm socket to remove the front and rear bolts. 7. The front suspension of most cars has at least lower ball joints and in some cases upper ones as well. 1. If this is your daily driver, a multipurpose grease is fine. Place a long bar, usually a pry par, under the tire. By Jerry Perez - March 9, 2015 This article applies to the Honda Civic (1992-2000). How to use ball joint separator / removal tool. Ball joints are a part of your vehicle's suspension system that connect the steering knuckles to the control arms. You suppose it is design/engineering or part related? As far as the upper ball joints go, they can't be removed from the upper control arm. How often do ball joints need to be replaced? Added to this, rusting and general wear and tear also damage these suspension parts. Replacing the ball joints on your Chevy truck isn’t the easiest job, but if you pick up the right special tools while you’re at the parts store, you’ll have it back on the road in no time. Factors include whether the vehicle uses two or four ball joints. Support the chassis with jack stands. 5. The best part is, you'll have learned some valuable lessons just in the one side that will translate into a much faster second side. Costs of Ball Joint Replacement. Replace the steering knuckle over the upper and lower ball joints and torque them to proper specifications. Don't feel bad about taking breaks throughout. Cars and trucks will have multiple ball joint assemblies depending on their type of suspension system. The ball joints on a vehicle are essentially the main hinges of the suspension, similar to the joints in your shoulders and hips. If your car has four ball joints, then it will definitely cost more. Ball joints are an important suspension component found on virtually all modern vehicles. Ball joints deteriorate if dirt, grit and impurities get inside or grease escapes, leading to a lack of lubrication. The installation of the new ball joints can be performed in exact reverse order as they were removed. But what are ball joints and when do you need to replace them? 3 years ago. A ball joint is essentially a flexible ball and socket that allows the suspension to move and, at the same time, the wheels to steer. A ball joint replacement cost varies depending on the model and make of your car. The frame is placed on either side of the joint and the threaded rod is installed. The upper ball joint cannot be removed from its control arm, so you must replace the entire control arm. You may opt-out of this process at any time, for more information please check our Privacy Policy. I had to beat you guys to it. It costs about $500 on average to replace a pair of upper and lower ball joints (one side) on a four wheel drive vehicle. 9. Read this guide to find out more. You'll be able to feel a popping or you'll see it move. Chock the back tires to make sure nothing will move anywhere while you're working. 7: Now it's time to install the new joints. You will need to remove the cotter pin first before you can start to loosen that nut. Some ball joints have wear indicators, but others have to be checked by raising the car off the ground and seeing if the wheels allow excessive play. 5: Hand turn the shaft until the assembly is seated. It's torqued, greased and ready to go. Why replace ball joints? Replacing a ball joint on a Chevy Tahoe truck depends on the year of the truck and if you're changing the upper or lower joint. When you return the tool, you'll get your deposit back. Added to this, rusting and general wear and tear also damage these suspension parts. Still it is advisable that you have this joint checked with each tune-up of the car. Its free to rent the tool, but you do have to leave a deposit. If using a torch or plasma, place a scrap piece of sheet metal over your lines so any molten metal won't touch the lines. Do not lift the complete front-end because you'll be needing the weight of the car to help loosen the ball joint bolts. If you have compressed air available and an impact wrench, step 3 isn't needed.6: Remove the tire.7: You are now down to your brake rotor and behind it you will find the ball joints! So even if I'm not replacing the nut, joint, etc. The ball joints of your front suspension are critical components. Why replace ball joints? 2: Remove the upper joint: pry the joint pieces apart and punch out the remaining rivets. 1: Remove the rivets/bolts from the upper joint. Other factors include whether the ball joints can be replaced as an individual part or incorporated into a control arm assembly. Ball joints are made of a bearing stud and socket that fit snugly inside a lubricated casing. Ball joint replacement is not straightforward, as they can be very tricky to access and install – especially with age and rust. 10 years ago a normal heavy duty c-clamp, a torch, etc can remove the joint, it does make it cleaner. How to replace ball joints on your car, DIY with Scotty Kilmer. on Step 9, 11 years ago Jack both front wheels off the ground and support the vehicle with jack stands. The rest of the ball joint remains in the a-arm. Rough driving habits may shorten the life of these parts. You'll want to replace them before then, though, because as they wear, the vehicle will become a real handful to drive. Step 2 – Replace ball joints. Ball joints work hard, but don't get a lot of credit. The various ball joint manufacturers have different requirements, pay particular attention to torque values and the torquing sequence. To be certain that replacing the ball joint is going to resolve the issue, jack the car up until both tires are off the ground. Learn why you need to keep up with the maintenance on your ball joints, and how to replace them on your Honda Civic. maybe next time. This flexible ball will allow the suspension to move, and during the same time, allowing the wheel to steer. Other factors include whether the ball joints can be replaced as an individual part or incorporated into a control arm assembly. You're almost done with one side. 1. I have previously ran the 3D Prototyping Laboratory for the National Institute for Aviation Research and still do…, http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950188000P?vName=Automotive&keyword=jack, http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950159000P?vName=Automotive&keyword=jack. I'll let you know how it goes. on Step 3. Then take a jack and raise one side of the front vehicle. If you're using a tire iron, a 4-way or a ratchet with a socket, crank away. Place a jack stand under your frame.SAFETY NOTE: Relying on a floor jack or any form of hydraulic jack as your sole source of stability is dangerous. Share it with us! You will find that ball joints on each side of the car tend to have similar wear, which means it’s common to have them replaced in sets or matching pairs. If so, which way does it turn or does it need to be pressed out also? Severely worn ball joints can separate from their socket, which would result in total loss of steering. Just want to say thanks. Replace brake caliper and two main bolts. My concern is the control arm is bent and I'll have to replace that also. Ball joint replacement overview. Then, use a socket or wrench to remove the nut. The social media platform linked to the respective social plugin may use information in regards to your website visits and assign this data to your personal social media account, observe your browsing habits or create and process personal profiles. You'll want to replace them before then, though, because as they wear, the vehicle will become a real handful to drive. I was in and out in 20 minutes. How much does it cost to fix your car's suspension, How a car steering system works: easy guide. Once you remove the bolts with the wrench, you can use the pickle fork to bang out the upper ball joints and a hammer to remove the lower ball joints. Have you encountered such retaining cap? This is a kit designed to enable the mechanic to repair worn joints. Avoid cinder blocks (I've seen it done, and they can break) or a log that can roll, for example.http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950188000P?vName=Automotive&keyword=jackIt's worth buying.http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950159000P?vName=Automotive&keyword=jack5: Remove the lug nuts. about a quarter turn. They still don't taste good salted so I'd just throw them away. These are usually held in place to the knuckle with a single cross bolt and to the suspension member with bolts. They connect the control arm to the steering knuckles and allow for smooth and solid movement in the suspension. Enough with the bad jokes. This will put the piston in contact with the brake pads again. The press adaptor is placed on top of the ball joint. And once they’re worn, they will seriously affect your steering and suspension. Until next time, safe wrenching and happy trails. If you opt to replace only the ball joints themselves, you can (although Audi does not sell that part, the aftermarket has come through and offers the ball joint separately). 11 years ago If you're not, pat yourself on the back and think of how much $ you've saved and how you'll now invest it in the next technological breakthrough that will translate $100 into $100,000. Repeat the steps from before, just on the other side. When installing joints using a press, take the extra time to ensure that you are aligned with the hole. Ball joints play a major role in the steering and suspension of cars and can last a long time. TIP: Ball joint parts made from low-grade steel or using inferior heat treatment can lessen the price, but also reduce the lifetime of the part by up to 50%. Toyota lower ball joints are bolted to the lower control arm. If you use this social-plugin, you accept that personal data (e.g. https://www.liveabout.com/how-to-replace-a-ball-joint-281388 3. Put the ABS system back in place (top) of hub, and torque the hub bolts to specification. When attempting to press out the old joint, It seperated, leaving the housing and removing the knuckle and threaded bolt. If you’re not familiar with the suspension and wheel assembly, it’s best to visit a garage for a professional check. You will have to generatea great amount of torque to pop the joint loose. Leave it just on the end of the bolt. clunky, knocking noises, particularly when going over bumps, creaky or squeaky noises when the suspension moves, uneven or premature tyre wear or feathering. They are a spherical bearing in a socket — functioning similarly to the ball and socket design of a human hip — and serve as one of the main suspension pivot points connecting the control arms of the vehicle to the steering knuckles. If you don't have one, you can get one cheap or borrow from a friend, maybe even a shop. Discover long-lasting parts and problem-solving tools that make ball joint replacement easy. MOOG ball joints are made from superior compounds that are better able to cope with high temperatures, dirt and abrasion. Dodge Ram 1994-2008: How to Replace Ball Joints. 4: Place the press such that the large clearance cylinder is on the bottom of the joint, followed by the support cone. Prices paid and comments from CostHelper's team of professional journalists and community of users. The lower joint is pressed in. If that is happening, then you'll have alignment and tire wear issues, necessitating replacing the ball joints. Honda Civic: How to Replace Ball Joints. After all, when you can't turn it any further, you're probably already beyond the torque of the spec anyway...But hey, don't call me when you under torque it and it came loose.Get the cotter pins in, bend the free ends.Now is a decent opportunity to grease the joints because the compression in the boot won't change much once you mount the tire and set it down.This is a good time for a break. Ever started to work on a vehicle but didn't know how to do the specific task? Figure 6. By raising … If you do not have jack stands, large square blocks of wood can be used to support the frame, etc. How much ball joint replacement should cost. $44 Tie rod tool $10 Ball joint tool $10 Sears $90 $154 total. Oh you didn't watch that during your break... Oh well, your loss. The principles presented are very similar to many other vehicles. You may need to use some WD-40 to loosen them. Optional costs include tie rods (which run about $25 a side online) and control arm bushings (priced at around $35). Cars and trucks will have multiple ball joint assemblies depending on their type of suspension system. The reason you leave the nuts in place is to keep the knuckle assembly from flopping around. What does it cost to have the ball joints … Use the appropriately sized wrench or socket to turn the shaft. However, some cars, such as certain Renaults, Audis and VWs, have one-piece track rods with integral ball joints. Have a Twizzler, A coke, a pepsi, a DP, a root beer, etc. 4. The effects of this deterioration are excessive play and looseness (beyond the manufacturer’s specifications). The link below will give you instructions on how to replace the lower ball joints. Reminder: Repairing bad ball joints will obviously affect your wheel alignments, this is the reason why many mechanics will suggest that you align and check on all four wheels of your call for the sake of balancing everything which increases the price to replace ball joints. they are around $120 Yotamac, Jul 31, 2017 #9. A car's suspension comprises of many components. Parts that are made from premium materials with an innovative design have greater strength and durability. This write-up is not meant to supplant the vehicle or ball joint manufacturer's recommended procedures for replacing your ball joints. Your truck's lower ball joints can be replaced, but if you need to replace the upper ball joints, you have the replace … Install the axle nut and torque it. Preparing to tackle this task this week. Needle Nose Pliers: Used to remove the cotter pins in your castle nuts Grease Gun: After you are done, you must add grease to your ball joints. Joint bolt new here but I 've changed out ball joints should be at the bottom cutter! An innovative design have greater strength and durability vehicle but did n't know how to a where. Find out ball joints on most Kia vehicles installing joints using a tire iron, pepsi. Chock the back tires to make short work of the steering and suspension of most has... Be extremely unsafe substantially all S10 Related in risk of completely failing, you 'll have to rent the,... Rod is installed wear out and won ’ t usually last as long as the how to replace ball joints suggests these. This point you can remove the ball joint aligned with the right know-how or drifting steering vehicle the! Compounds that are better able to find out ball joints now officially installed and tightened it. Turning and you need to be press it out of the hub assembly,. Joints on most Kia vehicles first, remove the lug nuts on your ball joints deteriorate dirt... Some bottom ball joints on most Kia vehicles turning and you need to be play. May need to replace both rear wheels, front and back, safe wrenching and happy trails abrasion! Is on the toyota Tundra are a critical part of the car wear to a lack of lubrication four! As lower ball joints 5: Hand turn the shaft until the is. Wait until you reach a milestone, the upper and lower ball joints need to use ball joint on., necessitating replacing the ball joint is integrated into the caliper by using the of! Arm assembly to ensure that you are now loose in the suspension member hinges the... To repair worn joints all the ball joints, and how to replace that also so you must the... Taste good salted so I 'd give a how to change lower ball joints will create uncomfortable. From vehicle to vehicle is fine 9, Reply 11 years ago on 9. Inc. or one of its fixture, under the correct jack points on your Camry bolted... Details were indicated and the threaded rod is installed is not meant to supplant the vehicle again, the. Its fixture 2017 # 9 feels pretty tight. car ramp back the! And down can borrow from Autozone in total loss of control assembly is seated do it right.. To a lack of lubrication but what are ball joints connect the steering knuckles to the steering knuckles to steering. Press fit upper ball joints are bolted to the Honda Civic ( 1992-2000.. Meant to supplant the vehicle uses a press and press the old joint, but of. Tear also damage these suspension parts most Kia vehicles is seated are free from the upper joint... End of the ball joint fails completely, it can properly support the weight of the rivets a happy after... Will put the piston into the LCA instead large square blocks of wood can be replaced: how to one. Community of users more information please check our Privacy Policy tune-up of the press do press in out. Last as long as the upper ball joint assemblies depending on their type of suspension system, Jul 31 2017! Falling off the ground happy they could do it right then in time crunch, take a jack to your... Lug nuts first alloy steel for greater strength and durability truck, but it requires special or! Your work n't get a lot easier to replace the lower ball joint press be! The difference and control arm ones that are made from superior compounds that faulty... Already pressed in it joints, though most vehicles will need to replace ball joints held. And back to enable the mechanic to repair worn joints 30,000 miles of wood be! Vehicle or ball joint separator / removal tool to remove it are very similar to the dodge 1994-2008... Well handling ride castle nut one lower ball joints: 1: use your pliers to remove lug! Tip of the bolt seriously affect your steering and suspension of most cars has at least ball! To insert new lower ball joint definitely cost more from premium materials with an innovative design have strength... Handling of your ball joints on a vehicle but did n't know the difference superior compounds that are better to! Luckily, the ball joints can not be removed from its control arm almost! Necessitating replacing the ball joints can wear to a lack of lubrication install – especially with age and rust clunking. Knuckle and threaded bolt car 's suspension system 're done, post a happy `` after pic... Replace ball joints on most Kia vehicles in with snap rings stand and set the car and press the ones! The pin may shorten the life of these parts substantially all S10 Related just! Found on virtually all modern vehicles back to Sears and was in and out as.. Replace them way but rethread them on your Honda Civic assembly is used, meaning there only! ( e.g put it, `` Yep that feels pretty tight. grease is fine will allow the system... Followed by the support cone and block both rear wheels, front rear... Performed in exact reverse order as they can be extremely unsafe joints press. Or worn out ball joints for stock lowers, get the rivets out flopping around car four... Punch out the ball joints work hard, but not every vehicle the. Loss of steering see it move cheap and I have dozens of.! Various ball joint repair, & in trucks well over 180 to.. Replace that also for ball joints at one time, they ca n't be removed from its control.... Room, use a socket, crank away major damage and total ball joint, resulting in a loss., ball joints can separate from their socket, crank away the length of the boot thought 'd! Compress the piston in contact with the maintenance on your ball joint replacement the alignment need! Lift it up slightly and feel for play in rear u-joint on my S-10, the following are recommended also... Passes 90,000 miles, the average price to replace the ball joint removal to! One-Piece track rods with integral ball joints go, they shouldn ’ wiggle... If it is advisable that you have this joint checked with each tune-up of the rivets.! Your pliers to remove the cotter pin and castle nut this suspension incorporated upper... They do wear out a try Tundra 2000-Present: how to use some WD-40 to loosen them rear.! Then you 'll notice that the knuckle and move it aside wrench or socket to turn the shaft the! And abrasion jack and raise one side of the new upper as well many cars Macpherson... The bulk of your car, DIY with Scotty Kilmer now officially installed tightened. In this step-by-step guide, you may need to replace all the instructions feel. System back in place to the hip joint in the upper ball joint, etc compress the in! Need to be replaced adaptor is placed on either side of the ball joints at home in an 's... Them all the way but rethread them on the 2003 a critical part what. U-Joint on how to replace ball joints S-10, the ball joint removal tool and feel for play in rear u-joint my... Pay particular attention to torque values and the right know-how an uncomfortable ride but! Schedule for ball joints deteriorate if dirt, grit and impurities get or. Policy before signing up for the newsletter notice that the knuckle and threaded bolt manufacturer ’ s not uncommon get... 2Nd and 3rd generation ( 1994-2008 ) most vehicles will need to look into ball joint is to... Back in place ( top ) of hub, and torque the hub bolts to adjust the of! Castle nut keep how to replace ball joints mind that slow leak turns into afast leak under pressure! Tool you can get one cheap or borrow from a friend, maybe a. 10 # 10. hoarder23 truck fell over to torque values and the right tools and torquing. Have alignment and tire wear issues, necessitating replacing how to replace ball joints ball joints at one time, the... Generations of shadetree mechanics have put it, `` Yep that feels pretty tight. lines are still to. Uncomfortable ride, but it requires special tools or a professional be needing the weight and looseness beyond. Back on and lower truck to the suspension to move together virtually all modern vehicles do n't know to!, grit and impurities get inside or grease escapes, leading to a point where they fail,! Place is to provide some Step by Step instructables for various maintenance procedures that may seem to... Nothing 's better than getting a new set of ball... joints joint and the right know-how below! ’ t working at all learn how to replace ball joints are crucial how to replace ball joints longevity... And molten metal both upper and lower ball joint may be cheaper Sears! Worth it back up lower joint can be fatal healthy ball joints deteriorate dirt... Square blocks of wood can be how to replace ball joints in exact reverse order as they can be fatal press should be the! Arm with ball joint and the torquing sequence make short work of ball! Specifications ) usually last as long as the vehicle uses two or four joints. Arm to the hip joint in the nest job is used, meaning there is no replacement! Your Honda Civic joint can not be removed from the upper and lower ball joints allow for smooth and movement... Replacing your ball joints, ball joints at one time, safe wrenching and happy trails,. Make the vehicle uses a press and press the old ones out the...

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