1G Ball Joints

[johnh]

I was just wondering if anyone here has ever replaced the front lower ball joints on a 1g FWD. I brought my car into my auto class today because I could feel something was wrong and it felt like the steering rack or a tie rod end. After I got the car up on the rack, my friend pointed out that the stud on my driver side ball joint was smooth and the nut was about 1/2" up on the stud. The lower control arm would just jiggle when you lift it up and down. I read in my chilton that the entire lower control arm needs to be replaced when the ball joint needs to be replaced. Is this true or can I just press a new ball joint into my old control arm? And if anyone has done it, is it something I can do in the back yard with a jack and basic tools. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[cbellsondsm]

i replace ball joints all the time, the only tiem you need to replace the c arm is if the hole is rusted to where it doesnt hold the ball joint, take it inot a machine shop and theyll press it out for u, or if u hav one in your class, u can do it, ive done it with a vice and a couple pipe pieces/big sockets

 

[candela]

exactly what he said...

manual says that as when you buy a new control arm the ball joint is already pressed in.