Replacing Knuckle and Ball joint
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: weston fl
Replacing Knuckle and Ball joint
Hello all. Looking for any pointers on replacing the knuckle and ball joint on my 97 c5 a4. I have been getting a Pop on take off and have isolated it to the ball joint that connects the hub to the upper control arm. Unfortunately the joint is not a servicable part and the whole assembly needs to be replaced. It looks straight forward. I guess my main concern is the removal of the nut that holds the hub to the axle. Is there any danger of damaging the axle or differential while removing this nut? Any pointers you can give me would be helpfull for this project. Thanks
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
Why do you think it's an upper ball joint? Do you have alot of play in it?
Removal of the spindle nut won't damage anything. It's a 1 5/16 socket if I remember correctly. Remember to mark the camber adjusters so you can get them back to where they where. I would suggest to still have an allignment after installation.
Also, check the hub for any cracks where the wheel mates to it. This also could be causing the pop your hearing.
-Sean
Removal of the spindle nut won't damage anything. It's a 1 5/16 socket if I remember correctly. Remember to mark the camber adjusters so you can get them back to where they where. I would suggest to still have an allignment after installation.
Also, check the hub for any cracks where the wheel mates to it. This also could be causing the pop your hearing.
-Sean
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,276
Likes: 227
From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
you can press the ball joint out of the control arm, never bought a new ball joint(spare ctrl arm), found them on rockauto.com; this applies to the lower, never looked into the upper
contact Englandgreen, i helped replace all wheel bearings and install coilovers, he knows suspension and is in Vero Beach, FL
contact Englandgreen, i helped replace all wheel bearings and install coilovers, he knows suspension and is in Vero Beach, FL
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: weston fl
Originally Posted by MXRACER
Why do you think it's an upper ball joint? Do you have alot of play in it?
-Sean
-Sean
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 1SLANDON
I know for a fact the boot has been compromised because I have seen grease leaking from it. I have tried to patch. At this point I think there is very little grease left in it which is causing the pop on take off.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,979
Likes: 5
From: San Diego, CA "leaf" "tee" "e"
Definitely change out the hub/wheel-bearing while you're in there. It's the perfect time to change it out. Get the wheel bearings from Autozone. They're Timken, and awesome quality.
