1G ball joint help

[Stealth 16]

I have a 90 laser, and the haynes manual says do not change the ball joint, it cannot be done. Well, both autozone and o'reilly have the parts, it just has a pulll out collar. Has anyone changed these so far? Any help would be appriciated!

 

[Woodsy0]

Which ball joint are you talking about? Is this for the front or rear suspension?

I believe that it can be done regardless of the ball joint in question. You'll need snap-ring pliers (I think that's what they're called) to remove the c-clip under the boot that secures the ball joint. After that, it still won't come out on its own, you'll need to press out the old ball joint and then press in the new. Re-install the c-clip that you removed prior, re-grease joint, re-attach the boot (if you can find a hollow pipe with the right diameter, it makes it really easy to reinstall the boot, just lightly tap the pipe, over the boot and onto the joint - if not, a flathead/hammer combo will do the trick), and then move the joint around with your fingers to make sure it's properly greased up (shouldn't hear/feel any grinding or friction)

 

[Stealth 16]

thanks, it is the lower ball joint on the front. Is this very difficult?

 

[Woodsy0]

It shouldn't be. The only hiccup I could see would be finding access to a press to remove/install the balljoint, but your local AutoZone should have one to rent as part of its Loan-A-Tool program. You'll need to seperate the ball joint from wherever it's bolted to, loosen the nut a little bit but hold off on removing it completely, this will ensure that the ball joint doesn't come flying off when you knock it loose. Then use a pickle fork/any ball joint remover tool and knock the ball joint loose from its taper. Then you can remove the nut completely, and go through the process I posted previously.

These threads should help:

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=201704&highlight=ball+joint
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234677

Also - if you happen to rip a ball joint boot (easier than it should be), the part number to order new ones from Mitsu is MB808555. NAPA also sells them I believe, but I haven't checked into it.