balljoint

Post by **monkeynut** » 30 Sep 2006, 10:07

what is classed as excessive play in the upper balljoint and are they easy to remove ?as i have no garage will have to take out with hub/ nuckle in situe
(give me kingpins anyday)

Post by **Tex Ritter** » 30 Sep 2006, 10:24

In my book, any play in a steering ball joint is not only excessive, but down right dangerous.

Change it, for your own and others safety ASAP.

You can change the ball joint without removing or stripping the stub axle...here's how.

First thing to do is make sure you put axle stands in place when you remove the wheel (think safety all the time)

Loosen and remove the big nut holding the joint to stub axle, then take out the 2 allen headed (clean out the holes thoroughly before attempting to remove) studs, you may have to 'persuade' the ball joint out of the stub by some well placed blows from a 4lb hammer and solid drift on the stub itself, 2 or 3 smacks should be enough if you hit it in the correct place. You will have to manipulate the stub in order to get the old and new joint out/in using a suitable lever. If all goes well it should take you about an hour at the most

Re-fitting is a simple task.

Good luck and work safe.

PS. Have you checked the wiki site?

Tex Ritter

Post by **"WEAZLECHIN"** » 30 Sep 2006, 18:11

i have to agree with that one!!

Post by **monkeynut** » 02 Oct 2006, 18:26

My new ball joint came with hex bolts with 17mm heads makes good sence as long as you resist the temptation to overtighten

Post by **lhd** » 02 Oct 2006, 20:46

Use a torque wrench, then you will not over tighten them.

ps. if you do round off the bolts on the old one, weld an alen key to it and hey presto.......

lhd...............