Replacing lower ball joints on 97 Max.
06-28-2005, 09:06 PM
#1
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 23
Replacing lower ball joints on 97 Max.
I need to replace both lower ball joints on my 97 Maxima. Has anyone done this procedure? I think the removal might not be so hard with a tool that's been called a "pickle fork" but I'm not sure how easy it will be to get the ball joint pressed back into the lower control arm (aka transverse link), especially with the arm still on the car. I've checked the sticky's and searched as well as I've been able but have not found any info on the site about this.
I'm sure the Haynes or Chilton manual might have information on this but I don't have one right now and I'm in a bit of a hurry. I'd like to do this repair tomorrow if possible because I need to get my safety inspection done to re-license my car by the end of the month (!). I have found the parts in stock at a place here in my city and I can supposedly get the special tools (loaners) at Autozone.
Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
I'm sure the Haynes or Chilton manual might have information on this but I don't have one right now and I'm in a bit of a hurry. I'd like to do this repair tomorrow if possible because I need to get my safety inspection done to re-license my car by the end of the month (!). I have found the parts in stock at a place here in my city and I can supposedly get the special tools (loaners) at Autozone.
Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
06-28-2005, 09:21 PM
#2
Originally Posted by lindenbusch
I need to replace both lower ball joints on my 97 Maxima. Has anyone done this procedure? I think the removal might not be so hard with a tool that's been called a "pickle fork" but I'm not sure how easy it will be to get the ball joint pressed back into the lower control arm (aka transverse link), especially with the arm still on the car. I've checked the sticky's and searched as well as I've been able but have not found any info on the site about this.
I'm sure the Haynes or Chilton manual might have information on this but I don't have one right now and I'm in a bit of a hurry. I'd like to do this repair tomorrow if possible because I need to get my safety inspection done to re-license my car by the end of the month (!). I have found the parts in stock at a place here in my city and I can supposedly get the special tools (loaners) at Autozone.
Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
I'm sure the Haynes or Chilton manual might have information on this but I don't have one right now and I'm in a bit of a hurry. I'd like to do this repair tomorrow if possible because I need to get my safety inspection done to re-license my car by the end of the month (!). I have found the parts in stock at a place here in my city and I can supposedly get the special tools (loaners) at Autozone.
Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
06-28-2005, 10:31 PM
#3
hey man let me know how it goes.. i need to do the same... yea autozone has the pickle fork but u will need a ball joint press which they also rent... but let me know where you found those ball joints cuz they dont sell them....
06-29-2005, 06:12 AM
#4
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 23
The ball joints I found at a place called Advance Auto Parts here in my city. I think it is a chain. You're right, Autozone does not have the ball joints and they told me they couldn't order them right now. I talked to the Napa store here too and they could order them. All were priced around $30.00.
The installation tool as well as the pickle fork are available from Autozone. I'm going to try to get parts late this morning. I have to go into work to make sure I'm not desperately needed today. I'll try to post my progress and questions if any arise.
The installation tool as well as the pickle fork are available from Autozone. I'm going to try to get parts late this morning. I have to go into work to make sure I'm not desperately needed today. I'll try to post my progress and questions if any arise.
06-29-2005, 06:17 AM
#5
lindenbusch - take pics along the way (of the parts/tools, etc.). Although you are a new member to the org, I have already noticed that your post contain a level of knowledge/maturity that most newbies don't have. It adds value to the forums! A write-up on the ball-joint replacement would be great at this point in time - since many of our cars are at the point where such maintenance is needed!
In response to f550's question: You can get the ball-joints of Ebay too - they are fairly cheap (as already mentioned). I am probably just going to replace both control arms. New control arms (with new ball joints and bushings included) run about 80 bucks a piece on Ebay... Its a heck of a lot easier just to swap out the LCAs.
In response to f550's question: You can get the ball-joints of Ebay too - they are fairly cheap (as already mentioned). I am probably just going to replace both control arms. New control arms (with new ball joints and bushings included) run about 80 bucks a piece on Ebay... Its a heck of a lot easier just to swap out the LCAs.
06-29-2005, 06:17 AM
#6
Disco Biscuit
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,791
In oprder to pop out the ball joint from the socket so that you can remove the control arm, all you need to do, is once the bolts are loosened, pop the socket with a hammer on the side, afew times and the ball joint will fall out. So you dont need the pickle fork.
06-29-2005, 06:49 AM
#7
If you go through the trouble of replacing your ball joints, you might as well replace the control arm bushings as they are probably worn as well. As far as I know, there are no stock replacements but Energy Suspension sells polyurethane ones. I chose instead to replace the entire control arm and there was an appreciable increase in ride comfort that I would attribute to the bushings.
06-29-2005, 08:20 AM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 686
Originally Posted by njmodi
lindenbusch - take pics along the way (of the parts/tools, etc.). Although you are a new member to the org, I have already noticed that your post contain a level of knowledge/maturity that most newbies don't have. It adds value to the forums! A write-up on the ball-joint replacement would be great at this point in time - since many of our cars are at the point where such maintenance is needed!
In response to f550's question: You can get the ball-joints of Ebay too - they are fairly cheap (as already mentioned). I am probably just going to replace both control arms. New control arms (with new ball joints and bushings included) run about 80 bucks a piece on Ebay... Its a heck of a lot easier just to swap out the LCAs.
In response to f550's question: You can get the ball-joints of Ebay too - they are fairly cheap (as already mentioned). I am probably just going to replace both control arms. New control arms (with new ball joints and bushings included) run about 80 bucks a piece on Ebay... Its a heck of a lot easier just to swap out the LCAs.
I did this too, when replacing LCA's, order stabilizer end links, since you'll have access to it. This kit comes with new bushings, it costs about $50, well worth it, since these are most likely worn too.
06-29-2005, 08:49 AM
#9
Originally Posted by knight71
I did this too, when replacing LCA's, order stabilizer end links, since you'll have access to it. This kit comes with new bushings, it costs about $50, well worth it, since these are most likely worn too.
, just gotta get the LCAs... it's on my list of projects for next month. 
06-29-2005, 09:29 AM
#13
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 23
I started on my ball joints this morning. So far I haven't actually done anything except remove the cotter pin.
Here's a basic question for anyone who knows: Do I have to remove the LCA to replace the ball joint or not?
Here's a basic question for anyone who knows: Do I have to remove the LCA to replace the ball joint or not?
06-30-2005, 08:18 AM
#15
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 23
I'd like to thank everyone for their suggestions and advice. I'm sorry I wasn't able to get back online to post yesterday. Bottom line: my vehicle is now at the shop and I'm paying them $135 to do the ball joint replacement.
After reading comments here and realizing that I really did have to remove the entire control arm to replace the ball joint, I ran into a problem in that I did not have a wrench large enough to remove the lock nut holding the outer CV joint. I also have broken my 17 mm wrench changing brakes on my wife's Honda so I didn't have a wrench for the ball joint top nut either!
Unfortunately for everyone here, there will be no pictures and how to on this project. On a positive note, I did find the ball joints in stock and was able to save about $50 because the shop to which I took the car was going to charge me double for the joints. I'm wondering if they realized at the shop that they were going to have to remove the entire control arm?
I have to agree with what someone else said earlier, that replacing the entire control arm with all its bushings would have been the best option, but as it is, I'm trying to save some money right now.
After reading comments here and realizing that I really did have to remove the entire control arm to replace the ball joint, I ran into a problem in that I did not have a wrench large enough to remove the lock nut holding the outer CV joint. I also have broken my 17 mm wrench changing brakes on my wife's Honda so I didn't have a wrench for the ball joint top nut either!
Unfortunately for everyone here, there will be no pictures and how to on this project. On a positive note, I did find the ball joints in stock and was able to save about $50 because the shop to which I took the car was going to charge me double for the joints. I'm wondering if they realized at the shop that they were going to have to remove the entire control arm?
I have to agree with what someone else said earlier, that replacing the entire control arm with all its bushings would have been the best option, but as it is, I'm trying to save some money right now.
07-27-2006, 07:49 PM
#21
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Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 196
You don't have to remove the lower control arm, the ball joint press you can rent at Autozone or Orielly's is like a big c-clamp you just need to seperate the ball joint, remove the c-clip that holds it to the a-arm and press it out and press the new one in.
You can also buy the ball joint press tool at Harbor Freight, is often on sale for $29.
You can also buy the ball joint press tool at Harbor Freight, is often on sale for $29.
... Totally pointless at this point.
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