Can you replace a ball joint yourself?
Recognizable for a knocking sound in the wheel well as you execute a turn, fixing old ball joints is an important part of keeping your vehicle road-safe. You can do it yourself for the price of the parts and the right approach.
Can you remove a ball joint Without tool?
For how to remove upper ball joint without tool, you need to locate the upper control arm, which the manufacturers usually fix at the top of your vehicle’s front suspension system. Then continue with the same method used in removing your lower ball joint for your upper ball joint.
How do you separate a ball joint from a control arm?
Insert the ball joint separator between the ball joint and the hub. Give it a tap or two with the hammer. Don’t worry if it takes a few good whacks to separate them. Note: Age and mileage sometimes make them difficult to separate. Step 4: Separate the control arm from the cradle.
How do you replace a ball joint on a car suspension?
If your auto’s suspension uses pressed-in ball joints, you’ll need to remove the lower control arm and take the assembly to a mechanic with a hydraulic press, who can press the old ball joint out and the new ball joint in. Guide the new joint through the knuckle hole.
How do you remove a ball joint from a steering knuckle?
Removing the Old Ball Joint Pull the cotter pin and loosen the large castellated nut. The top should look like a crown, or castle, at the bottom. Pop loose the ball joint. The goal is to try to guide it through the hole in the upper half of the steering knuckle. Remove the allen bolts and slide the control arm free.
Should I replace the control arm or the bushings?
If the control arm is damaged due to impact, or if the bushings and/or ball joint need replacement due to wear, it is more time and cost-effective to replace the entire arm as it generally comes complete with new bushings and ball joint.