control arms and tie rod ends

[jtm087]

Went to get an oil change today, and the guys at firestone told me my ball joints are bad and that I need new upper and lower control arms and tie rod ends, they quoted me $1400 to do this....I would rather do it myself and save some $$$, but I have searched throuh the forum and cannot find a write-up or how to on either of these, and the haynes manual is not too clear...so if anyonw can help me out i would apprecate it!

 

[Exploderpilot]

haynes manual! if you are even the slightest bit mechanically inclined, you can do it. just go to a reputable parts store and check out the proper tools. they'll be listed in the manual.

 

[exploded99]

Jeezo Peezo Batman!!! $1,400!!! A decent shop will do ball joints for around $600 here in Denver. Tie rod ends add another $70 in parts.

Try alldatadiy.com. You can access a shop manual online for 24.95 for a one year subscription. They will have detailed instructions, torque specs, etc.

Or buy a shop manual on ebay - 10 bucks or so.

Not too tough, you just need some tools - the ball joint press can usually be rented at the local parts store. It will be needed to press out the lowers if you choose to just replace the ball joints.

You can replace the entire lower control arm as an assembly - I think that is the easiest way to do them. No pressing ball joints - just remove the torsion bars and each lower control arm can be removed by pulling three bolts. Adds 200 to the parts cost, but you get new control arm bushings as well.

The uppers are replaced as a unit with the upper control arms. They are easy.

Good luck!

 

[jtm087]

I looked on ebay and found semi-complete kits for pretty cheap, but all the kits come with upper control arms and only lower ball joints, no lower control arms, why dont any of the kits come with lower arms? is it better to just replace the ball joint?? the auction I am refering to is
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-Co...33583QQitemZ8064421245QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

 

[Trainmstr]

Buy the lower joints and upper control arms from Moog. Since you'll have the suspension apart I recommend replacing the lower arm bushings too. I did my 96 by myself in two days only using a hydralic press from Harbor Freight, that includes inner and outer tie rods and new sway bar bushings. Lift truck up and place on stands, break spindle from upper and lower arms, place jack under lower arm and raise until supporting arm, remove spindle from upper and lower arms, slowly lower jack to relieve torsion bar, remove upper arm and replace with new, recommend Moog, recommend using new adjustment bolts, remove lower arm, replace ball joint and bushings, when lower arm is removed torsion bar can be removed, most likely the rubber pad between bar and chassis will be worn out, replace with rubber cut from old tire and cement in place like original (prevents squeeks!!!),put lower arm back in using jack again to load torsion bar, reattach spindle to upper and lower arms. Remember, do not tighten bolts holding upper and lower arms to chassis until car is resting on its own weight, torque to specs and get an alignment.