I need to fix a lower ball joint and was hoping I could just replace that; however, my FSM says to replace the whole A arm/transverse link to remedy a sloppy ball joint. Is there a cheaper way? I hate to replace a $70 a arm for a $15 ball joint. Any suggestions before I buy a arms off of Ebay? Thanks.

 

Yes - it can be done. Just need to press the old joint out and replace it.

 

Hey njmodi, thanks for the reply but I've got to ask a few more questions. Can this be done with a tool I can get from a parts store or do I need a hydraulic press? I know there is a ball joint seperator/connector would this be the same tool I'd use?

 

Where is the lower ball joint located?

 

You can rent a ball-joint tool from Autozone. Do a search - I did a quick one, but couldn't find the thread. There is a nice writeup and thread, by "nick" that shows the tools etc. He actually replaced the entire LCA... but there is valuable info. in that thread.

 

I found the thread: http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=391391

 

Can't thank you enough njmodi!!!!

Coolbrew, the lower ball joint is located under the axle at both front steering knuckles. It provides the bottom pivot point for the whole wheel assembly, it's a very important component.

 

I think most people would say to replace the whole arm because a ball joint replacement is a PITA.

Your choice. But I'd replace the whole arm.

 

Lower ball joint replacement - you might want to check the other suspension components before hand. It is definately a PITA - I replaced both ball joints about a year ago, without replacing the arms - it wasn't difficult, but very annoying - You might want to consider just buying new LCA's, and setting yourself up an alignment afterwards.

If you are not mechanically inclined, and do not have access to the proper tools, this is not a DIY.

 

well i just did it this weekend.. it was simple advance auto parts has the ball joints for 30$.. all you need is a ball joint press... if the existing bolts on the ball joint dont wanna come off (like they didnt for me) just use a grinder.. heres what i did

1 remove lower control arm assembly 6 bolts it believe
2 remove cv shafts from the hub and support them with rope to coil spring
3 move the hub all the way so its perpendicular to the car
4 try to loosen the ball joint bolt if not grind it off cuz it probably wont come off
5 remove the sway bar link.. take a
6 get urself a buddy to help you with the ball joint press
7 remove the clip from the ball joint prior to pressing it out!!!!!!!
8 press the old ball joint out and clean the are with wd40 and grease it
9 put the new ball joint in the control arm and install the retaining clip
10 bolt on the control arm with 2 bolts and then tighten the ball joint.. it makes it a lot easier.
11 then put everyting back together
12 take a beer break

thats it... it took me about 6 hours to replace the struts ball joints and swaybar links

 

don't forget to change out both front sway bar end links while you have everything out, chances are, these are bad too.