Anyone have step by step instructions for replacing the rear ball joints? I replaced them about 9-10 years ago so they're bolted on. I have the new joints and plan to tackle the job on Saturday. I cannot remember how to separate the joint from the spindle.
If I recall, we raised the vehicle and supported it on jack stands. Put the jack under the control arm, unbolted the castle nut and support bolt. Then lowered the control arm. Is this correct?
Once the bolt is out, the stud should just slide out of the lower part of the knuckle when you lower the A arm. The originals had a small relief cut in the stud part of the joint so that they will not come out unless the bolt is totally removed, don't know about new ones these days. Maybe hit it with some pb blaster to handle any rust that might cause it to bind.
------------------ Anything I might say is probably worth what you paid for it, so treat it accordingly!
Sometimes you need to pry open the split on the spindle where the bolt tightens on the ball joint stud. A couple of taps with a hammer and a large straight blade screwdriver does the trick.
------------------ 86 GT built 2.2 ecotec turbo rear SLA suspension QA1 coilovers on tube arms
True but you get a lot of corrosion and the studs get frozen in place. Sometimes they drop right out but from my experience they need a bit of persuasion usually.
------------------ 86 GT built 2.2 ecotec turbo rear SLA suspension QA1 coilovers on tube arms
Well, I quarantined myself in the garage and replaced the right rear ball joint today. In total, it took about 30 minutes. I was a little disappointed tho...the worn joint was a Moog Problem Solver. I thought that the last time I changed them I had used a cheap set of no-name brand parts because at that time, I was still deciding on what I was going to do with the car. I was considering an 88 cradle swap but decided against it.
Anyway, only the right balljoint was worn, and it was REALLY worn. Why would there be such a difference between the two sides?
Was the dust cap not put on correctly, letting dirt/grit in which would act like an abrasive.
Nothing appeared out of the ordinary. Everything was together and packed with grease. I drive it about 3-5k miles per year, rain or shine. Ball joints are 10 years old so roughly 40k miles on them. I can understand them not being “new” after 40k, just thought it was weird to have such a difference in wear between the two.
Right rear ball joint. From experience, it seems anything on the right side is more susceptible to roar conditions, puddles, pot holes etc (unless you are in those places were they drive on the wrong side of the road ). Noticed this mostly on the brake components.
Does anyone know what those brackets that mount with the ball joints are called? During my rebuild process I seem to have misplaced those.. the ones that sit in between the control arm and the knuckle?
). Noticed this mostly on the brake components.
