Removing upper and lower ball joints/control arms

[Poida]

NOTE:
This job is potentially life threatening if proper steps are not taken to prevent the sudden release of the spring. If you are unsure about what you are doing then have it done by a professional.

NEVER hit the ball joints or they may fail unexpectedly.
Always have the car on suitable chassis stands.
Always secure the lower control arm so the spring cannot fly out when the lower ball joint is undone.

The lower ball joint keeps the spring in place and the spring is loaded even when fully extended with the wheels off the ground!

To remove and replace the lower ball joint [3] you need to remove the lower control arm (or wishbone as it can also be called) [2] and press the old ball joint out and press the new one back in.


To remove and refit/replace the upper ball joint [8], an OEM unit may be riveted in place and you will need to drill out the rivets. Aftermarket replacement ball joints should always be mounted with high tensile bolts.


The ball joints are a tapered fit in the stub axle and will lock into place requiring the use of a ball joint remover tool or use a hammer to deliver a sharp blow on the stub axle on the eye where the ball joint pins attach.

Support the front of the car on stands. Place a hydraulic trolley jack under the lower control arm and raise it so it just begins to take the weight of the car. Loosen off the control arm pivot bolts [20 & 33] so the control arms are free to pivot on their rubber bushes and swing freely then loosen off the lower ball joint nut [24] about two turns. Use the ball joint remover tool to break the joint. You will feel the spring tension as the joint releases. After the lower ball joint tapers have been released, remove the upper ball joint nut first then gently lower the car allowing the springs to slowly expand. The arms will need to drop straight down before you can pry the spring out at the bottom of the lower control arm. You may need a jemmy bar to pop the spring over the retainer in the lower arm.
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