1G Anyone installed ball joints in powder coated arms?

[Brembo]

My arms are ready to be picked up. So I was wondering if anyone had control arms powder coated and the installed bushings and ball joints in them? If so what did you do to prevent damage to the coating? Pictures are welcome.

 

[Turbo2g]

You want to press the ball joints and bushings in after the powder coating? It's gonna be tough not to mark them up. Luckily its under the car and wont be seen anyway. You can probably do ok with the bushings by using rags in a vice. Using a ball joint press isn't going to be easy on them though. Just try to use rags where you can and avoid metal contact.

 

[PlanZero]

Put the BJs in the freezer and don't take em out til right before install.

 

[Brembo]

Well I got those arms. Look great but as usual their is a but. Those guys coated the inside where the bushings go and where the ball joints go. I hate this when I have to always go back and fix something after I just paid for it.

 

[ist dwa]

That is why you paint the arms with joints all ready in them instead of powder coating them.

 

[Brembo]

Thanks for the opinions boys. I guess I will try my best to press the joints in without destroying the coating. Thinking of stacking cardboard under the arm when pressing. Unfortunately we don't have a freezer at the shop and I don't have a press at home. So will try my best.

 

[PlanZero]

I've used the BJ press you can rent from advanced auto. Looks like a big C clamp. I actually changed the rear BJs on my 97 AWD with the control arms still on the car. I'd use that and the freezer trick (at home) if I were you. The freezer really does make them press in easier. Maybe hit the inside area with a dremel to remove the powder coating.

 

[Brembo]

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Well I try stacking some cardboard and tape it all together. I make some minor marks but you can't really tell. Over all look good. 2 ball joints are in. 2 to go.

 

[Brembo]

Dont Judge my taking picture skills. I just looked at it from PC and it looks terrible.