There seems to be a lot of questions about the removal of balljoints on a 1g. It is not that hard but it does take some time.
Parts Needed:
Napa Lower balljoints: Part #260-1354
Energy Suspension Front Control Arm Bushings (Optional, but recommended)
Front Stabilizer Bar Links Part #MB518892 (Optional, but recommended)
Now that you have the parts, you can start your installation. Jack up the car and remove the wheel. First remove the bolt holding the Stabilizer bar link to the control arm (Bolt #5 in picture). Remove the link from the control arm. Next, remove the balljoint nut that goes through the knuckle (Bolt #7 in picture). The control arm should now slide down and the balljoint stud should slide out of the knuckle. It is usually harder than this. You usually have to smack the knuckle and control arm to bust it loose. Use a sledge hammer to break it loose. After a few hard hits it should come loose. A regular hammer will not cut it. Also, do not waste your time with a pickle fork.
Now that the balljoint stud is separated from the knuckle you can remove the rest of the bolts holding the control arm to the car. Start by removing the bolt that goes through the front bushing (Circled in Blue. #8 in picture). Next, remove the bolts holding the rear bushing onto the car. You can now take the control arm off the car.
Now that you have the control arm off the car you can remove the balljoint. Start by removing the c-clip holding the balljoint in the control arm. Once that is removed you can use a hammer and hit the top of the stud until the balljoint falls out of the control arm. Install the new balljoint by tapping it into the control arm.
Installing is opposite of removal.
WARNING! IF YOUR CAR IS HEAVILY RUSTED UNDERNEATH, THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE YOU WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE CONTROL ARMS. There are two problems you may run into. Water has probably seaped into the
front bushing (circled in green) which has probably caused the shaft to rust which will reduce the thickness of the metal. Thus, causing the bushing to be loose on the shaft. If this is the case, do not reuse the bushing or do not replace it with OEM bushings. If you buy Energy Suspension control arm bushings, they should fit tight enough.
The next problem is that the hole in which the balljoint fits may be rusted out. When the old balljoint is removed rust will flake off and enlarge the hole. This happened to me and the new balljoint was loose inside the hole. My new balljoint had the be welded into the control arm. Doing this will work but you will never be able to replace the balljoint again without buying new control arms.
Good luck and if you have any questions please email me at
briantsi556@yahoo.com.
Replacing Balljoints
