ball joint replacement ... alignment needed?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 43
From: Longview Texas
ball joint replacement ... alignment needed?
I'm going to remove the rear spindles to replace the upper ball joints this week. When I get it back together will I need a rear alignment?
Thanks.
Scott
Thanks.
Scott
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 43
From: Longview Texas
Don't I have to remove those bolts Ron to free the spindle from the car? I don't have a ball joint press and plan to take the spindle somewhere to get the old ball joint pressed out and the new one put in. Or are you talking about where they connect to the car?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
No, you will be OK. The alignment adjustment is at the lower a-arm to subframe front bolt and by screwing the tie rod end on or off of the rod. Just removing the spindle by popping the ball studs (lower ball joint and tie rod end) is fine.
Because the ball joint is in the spindle.
Because the ball joint is in the spindle.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 543
From: Appleton WI
I agree with renting a ball joint press from a part store. AutoZone does it for a deposit only. You get the deposit back when you return the tool.
If you know how to operate a C-clamp, you can operate a ball joint press. The device I rented was just a modified C-clamp type set up. Very easy and effective.
If you know how to operate a C-clamp, you can operate a ball joint press. The device I rented was just a modified C-clamp type set up. Very easy and effective.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
The problem that both the OP and I are having is that the OE ball joints rub the inside of our 16" wheels. I shaved mine down too to make them fit, but worry about the integrity of the ball joints a lot now. I definitely cannot afford the smaller spindles made for drag tires. And other ball joints like the ones from Pfadt etc, seem to be even taller out the top of the spindle.
Anyone have any recommendations on this? I am ordering a pair of ball joints just to have on hand in case I have issues. But upon replacement, I would once again not be able to fit my drag pack.
Anyone have any recommendations on this? I am ordering a pair of ball joints just to have on hand in case I have issues. But upon replacement, I would once again not be able to fit my drag pack.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 43
From: Longview Texas
The top cap holds the shaft, plastic sleeve, and grease inside. After I ground through the OEM set you could grab the upper A-arm and pushing up on it watch the inside of the ball joint come up (causing less clearance).
I bought a set of Moog ball joints and I immediately knew they were taller and going to be a problem. Since I had them here already I had them pressed in and tried the hammering, grinding, fitting, ... and it wasn't even close. Another $100 bill down the drain. This is becoming a pain in the rear.
I'm going to order a set of the LG race spindles and hopefully be done with it. This latest round of mods is getting expensive ...
Also, I've decided to go ahead and get an alignment since I've had so many things apart and adjusted the ride height on the stock bolts several times adjusting for the 28" tires. For less than $100 it's cheap insurance.
Scott
I bought a set of Moog ball joints and I immediately knew they were taller and going to be a problem. Since I had them here already I had them pressed in and tried the hammering, grinding, fitting, ... and it wasn't even close. Another $100 bill down the drain. This is becoming a pain in the rear.
I'm going to order a set of the LG race spindles and hopefully be done with it. This latest round of mods is getting expensive ...
Also, I've decided to go ahead and get an alignment since I've had so many things apart and adjusted the ride height on the stock bolts several times adjusting for the 28" tires. For less than $100 it's cheap insurance.
Scott
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 43
From: Longview Texas
The ball joint from Rock Auto was $40 but all my local parts store had the same one for no cheaper than $80. Depending on how comfortable you are with a wrench it's not really that bad of a job to change one but I wouldn't say that $190 was a horrible price. High? Perhaps a tad but not highway robbery like some of the prices garages charge. Assuming you have a 33mm socket and the ability to remove the axle nut I took both spindles completely off the car in less than an hour.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati OH
The ball joint from Rock Auto was $40 but all my local parts store had the same one for no cheaper than $80. Depending on how comfortable you are with a wrench it's not really that bad of a job to change one but I wouldn't say that $190 was a horrible price. High? Perhaps a tad but not highway robbery like some of the prices garages charge. Assuming you have a 33mm socket and the ability to remove the axle nut I took both spindles completely off the car in less than an hour.
I will do my own rotors and pads, and plugs and wires, and I guess a passenger side window regulator now as well.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
It's not too bad a price at all and not nearly as bad as the dealer that wanted $300 for programming the new ABS/TC control module which doesn't require any programming.