Ball Joint/Lower Arm

[hillk]

How difficult a job is it to replace the Lower Arms (ball joint needs replacing) and releasing the Torsion Bar tension - for a home mechanic, (experienced but not professional).
Thanks, Ken

 

[gijoecam]

No need to release the torsion bar tension so long as you don't remove the shock absorber in the process. I did both of mine a couple years ago and didn't have to release the tension. The only reason you need to is if you want to take the lower control arms in and have a shop use a press to remove and install the joints.

-Joe

 

[hillk]

GIJoe

Is your 98 different than the 99 ? My manual says to replace the Lower Arm with ball joint factory installed. On yours you could just replace the ball joint. very interesting.
Thanks
Ken

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

I remember reading the same thing somewhere, and having autozone tell me a couple years back that you cannot replace just the lower BJs - but that's wrong. You can replace just the BJs. They're a PITA but can be done. AZone has a loan-a-tool BJ press, and a loan-a-tool puller for the torsion bar. I 'effed mine up with a BFH when the press wouldn't work and needed to be towed to a mechanic to have the lowers done...

 

[BenS]

Do a search on lower ball joint. You'll find several useful threads regarding this procedure. Also, I highly recommend renting the ball joint press tool from Autozone if you can. It is the best way to get the ball joint out of the control arm. Good luck!

 

[Lloyd10977]

Is your 98 different than the 99 ? My manual says to replace the Lower Arm with ball joint factory installed. On yours you could just replace the ball joint. very interesting.
Thanks
Ken

It is the stock UPPER BALL JOINT that is replaced by installing a new control arm. The lower ball joints can be pressed out and new ones pressed in.

 

[gijoecam]

It is the stock UPPER BALL JOINT that is replaced by installing a new control arm. The lower ball joints can be pressed out and new ones pressed in.

Correct, and so is he.... I've yet to see a shop manual that says you can replace the lower ball joint, but you can, I assure you.

-Joe

 

[POSH]

Press out the lower ball joints....special tools....

he he mine fell out...

the noise was not the ball joints themselves but the ball joints themselves moving up and down in the lower arms...5mm the only thing keeping them in was the C-clip

I had bushings made by a local turner and refitted them....we'll see how long they last...

Uppers are complete arms in a 99