Upper Ball Joints both sides

[Realize]

Hi Guys

I was off to get the tracking done on my T25 Aircooled Westy, but I noticed that both upper ball joints are shot.

So I need to get these changed before the tracking is done.

Can any one tell me the procedure and tools I will need? Is this an easy job or would I be better getting a garage to do it?

Cheers Jay

[faggie]

soak the bolts beforehand with plusgas and clean the threads protruding through the ball joint with a wire brush then clean the dirt out of the allen key headed bolts holding the balljoint to the arm , also cover the threads protruding with grease so it makes it easier to undo , you will need a balljoint splitter or you could just shock it with a big hammer, whole job should take you no longer than 20 minutes per side and its very simple to do you dont need to use a garage anyone could do it

[Realize]

Good news.

So I do not need to remove anything else but the wheels to get at the ball joints then?

I thought maybe I had to take a lot of other parts off too.
When I fit the replacements do they just tighten into place or do I need to press them in?

Thanks for you advice.

Cheers Jay

[faggie]

you just tighten them up into the top arm its the lower ones what need pressing in , you will need a big ring spanner to undo the nut on the bottom of ball joint think it may be 29mm as not done one for a few months

[R0B]

Might as well check your upper wishbone bushes whilst your at it.You will need to get the camber reset,if any of them do need replacing.

[Realize]

Cheers Guys.

[faggie]

the upper wishbone replacement is more complicated as you need welding gear to refit the bushes and the quality of most replacement bushes is terrible so they dont last very long

[martinj]

I replaced both my upper ball joints this week, had to cut the head off one of the bolts as it rounded but apart from that it was easy. I bought mine from brickwerks, not cheap but the quality seems very good and they came with new bolts.