ball joint removal & install question

[johnnybgood74]

hey guys, im getting ready to install my disc swap and i am going to change the ball joints for piece of mind. i want to do this at home if possible without the use of a press. i dont have one! LOL i need to pull out the old ones and want to reinstall the new ones. any input will be much appreciated.

Thanks fella's,

John

 

[Doyle]

I did mine with a 4 pound hammer, but have since found out that Autozone will lone you a balljoint press for a deposit. You basicly pay the cost of the tool and get a full refund on return if you don't break it.

 

[gearida]

I worked at a shop that was in the farming business, we changed ball joints with a big hammer and a few large sockets. It can be done, however it will wear you out and you better get it straight.

 

[PolarrrBearrr]

I just replaced the ball joints in my fullsize, and because of rust the bottom set fell out - but the uppers were almost welded in because of rust. My buddy and I asked around and there weren't many places around that had a machine shop with a press, but we did find one. It was much easier to take the ball joints to a mechanic and have them do it, than us trying to do it in the driveway at my house.

It also saved us from putting them in incorrectly, or damaging the new ball joints. I also had my rotors turned, and the whole thing came to $90 and they were perfect. The guy also did a little work for me for my dual exhaust set up on the fullsize too for cheap.

He knew what he was doing, and is a gearhead to boot! I knew I was in the right place when there were 5 Ford F-Series in the lot in various stages of being tricked out, and 2 restored Chevelles.

You could rent one, or go my route. I went my route because it was easier and probably better for an experienced person to do it as oppose to me.

 

[WyleCoyote]

Most machine shops will press the old ones out and the new ones in for around $15 a side.

 

[neonizagas]

I suppose you could use a big hammer to remove and replace them! But if this is your first time and you want to do it yourself I suggest you rent the press or get one of these http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38335 most of the time you can find a 20% off coupon and save a little more. You can always use it to replace ujoints or help a friend out!
A good bench vise is helpful too. If your not sure of your mechanical abilities then maybe it would be best to bring the knuckles and ball joints to a shop and have them do it for you. I have this ball joint press and it works great! Sometimes a little penetrating oil helps when removing them.

Good luck

 

[kyle]

It has already been written above but most parts stores that have a tool loan program have a ball joint press (I know Auto Zone does since I have used it). As long as you have an impact gun it goes pretty easy. If you don't have an impact just take them to a shop with a press. You can do them with a hammer, but you will probably regret it.

The hardest part is finding someone at the parts store that knows what a ball joint press is.

 

[66horse]

I suppose you could use a big hammer to remove and replace them! But if this is your first time and you want to do it yourself I suggest you rent the press or get one of these http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38335 most of the time you can find a 20% off coupon and save a little more. You can always use it to replace ujoints or help a friend out!
A good bench vise is helpful too. If your not sure of your mechanical abilities then maybe it would be best to bring the knuckles and ball joints to a shop and have them do it for you. I have this ball joint press and it works great! Sometimes a little penetrating oil helps when removing them.

Good luck

Get this tool. It works well. Then throw in the bronco. It made changing a front ujoint that grenaded on the trail so much easier on the last trail run.

 

[Skiddy]

Get this tool. It works well. Then throw in the bronco. It made changing a front ujoint that grenaded on the trail so much easier on the last trail run.

that's what i use for ujoints makes it cake to change them

 

[zeeman1]

Vise and sockets works great, never saw a need for a ball joint press.

 

[broncomitch]

you never owned one tho. %) ya, a hammer works grate and i hardly ever think twice before useing one. but a press is just SO EASY! but the kit from autozone works good...if you manage to find one that not all f*#% up.

 

[mustangtoby]

I did it with a BFH for years, then used the afore mentioned c-clamp tool, and will hopefully never do it with a hammer again!

 

[Project_bronco]

I borrowed a press from Kragens to do mine. And I second what Kyle said. A little something I didn't think about until my dad reminded me on the last joint...use an impact wrench to turn the press! it makes it a lot easier and you you won't be pulling on a socket while trying to hold the press and all the adapter pieces in place.
I got the moog joints that have the side grease fitting, wow, worth the extra money.

 

[joshm28]

I would recommend some beer and buddy if you use the parts store manual press. It can be a major pain in the ass to hold the knuckle and turn the damn breaker bar.