Ball Joint Question
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Ball Joint Question
On all the brands of ball joints I'm seeing, "Will Not Fit OE Control Arm." What exactly does that mean? I'm pretty certain my Control Arm is the original one. Does that mean these parts won't fit? (apologies for my ignorance).
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Replacement arms may have different ball joint from original (larger)to be more durable. A vendor produces replacement ball joints that fit THEIR replacement control arm. It may fit a larger hole in arm, etc
For uppers, you just buy new control arm with ball joint installed. Not the ball joint. Its cheap.
Last edited by mbb; Feb 3, 2019 at 09:05 AM.
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I'm noticing that RA only has the premium brand for only ups and onside lower. I presume it's fine to get another brand from their (daily driver side) in the 'missing' lower?
Last edited by Streetwiseguitar; Feb 3, 2019 at 10:54 AM.
Look at Moog problem solvers... you need to buy the whole UCA like stated above.. and you can replace the lower ball joint .. you will need a ball joint press to do it. this can be loaded to you at Auto zone. Moog makes all the ball joints. or you can get the cheaper ones.
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)Forgive me, but you are talking to a total novice.)
Just to be 100% clear: I need Left Uper and lower along with the right upper and lower CA's (w/***** joints loaded therein) Would you suggest ordering straight off Moog since RA doesn't seem to have everything?
Just to be 100% clear: I need Left Uper and lower along with the right upper and lower CA's (w/***** joints loaded therein) Would you suggest ordering straight off Moog since RA doesn't seem to have everything?
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For your upper control arms, you need the whole arm. For your lower ball joints, you can get just the ball joint. That's what I did. I went through 2 aftermarket lower ball joints in a short period of time so I finally ordered a Motorcraft and it's been good ever since
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No.. You need L&R upper control arms.. they come with new ball joints installed and L&R lower ball joints, but if you are a novice, not sure the installation of lowers in in your capacity.. the old will need to be pressed out and new ones pressed in. you could buy the whole lower control arms with new ball joints already installed but, they will cost you.
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You can replace the ball joint in the lower control arm without a press. Most important tool is a 2 lb hammer. which is what you need to separate the tie rod ends anyway . Just beat on them until they pop a part.
Put a jack under the control arm and beat the ball joint out with the hammer, being careful not to hit the edge of the hole.
To install put the ball joint In-Place supported by the Jack and beat the control down arm down over the ball joint. Again being careful not to hit the edge of the hole and deform it.
There us a youTube video that shows a guy doing it and it's exactly what I did. Press I borrowed and tried to use didn't really work.
Oh oh yeah you will definitely definitely need earplugs
Put a jack under the control arm and beat the ball joint out with the hammer, being careful not to hit the edge of the hole.
To install put the ball joint In-Place supported by the Jack and beat the control down arm down over the ball joint. Again being careful not to hit the edge of the hole and deform it.
There us a youTube video that shows a guy doing it and it's exactly what I did. Press I borrowed and tried to use didn't really work.
Oh oh yeah you will definitely definitely need earplugs
Last edited by mbb; Feb 3, 2019 at 05:19 PM.