ball joint install

[68442]

Replacing my lower front arm since the bolt in it was froze. To install this joint is a tool needed? I was thinking about getting this set from harbor freight.

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

 

[Gamble97]

On a 2g, you can't change the balljoints. Just change the whole arm.
If it's the straight arm it's the lateral arm they are about $40 each. If it's the curved arm it's the compression arm, a little more money. Can be had for cheap on ebay.

 

[68442]

I know, I have the new arms/ball joints. I'm talking about getting that ball joint/arm back into the front knuckle.

 

[Gamble97]

Hammer if that. Your looking at this situation like it's hard, it's not hard at all. Very basic hand tools can do this job.

 

[jake247]

stick your finger in there and aim the bolt for the hole just behind the rotor. use a screw driver to line up the holes in the bottom of that wish bone. First stick the botl in that's closest to the engine bay, put it on loosely. Then do the ball joint one, just put it on loosely. Then use a screw driver to line up the holes for the middle one, wiggle, etc., put in loosely, now tighten everything down.


You're doing something stupid if you can't get it in. Take a deep breath, get a beer, come back.

And it cost me $44 a couple weeks ago at my local dealership.

and you definitely DON'T want that harbor freight tool kit.


:edit: get an alignment now that you're done. (and another beer.)