I even did both the upper ball joints and the tie rod ends without any special
tools, but it would have made life a bit easier and quicker having one.
I'll second that they are easy to replace. Probably an evening job. Similar job
on the tie rod ends if you end up replacing them as well. They may be almost in
a similar condition given that they are the same constuction and the rubber
seals all go one after another.
Reckon on about $20-$25 a side. Maybe a bit less if your lucky. Tie rod ends
are a bit less.
Alan
Original Message:
-----------------
From: SJagGo@aol.com
Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2000 16:18:39 EDT
Subject: Re: Flunked my safety inspection
In a message dated 7/10/00 12:59:11 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
SMatson802@aol.com writes:
> How tricky are ball joints?
Ball joints are easy, if you have a ball joint separator. Most car places
(even Wal-Mart) will have one for less than $20. You'll probably need it
again when the tie rod ends are bad. Anyway. Jack up the front-one side at
a time -- do all the safety stuff -- and remove the wheel. Undo the nut
on the tapered end of the ball joint, insert the separator between the ball
joint and the vertical link and whack it with a BF hammer. It should pop
right out. Remove the ball joint from the wishbones, put in a new one.
insert tapered part to vertical link and tighten. Replace wheel and follow
same procedure for other side.
Good luck,
Bill Brockschmidt
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