VQP0WER

Well, of course the last bolt I needed to remove in order to pull out my knuckle was stuck. Had to cut the dang nut off and in the process, jacked up the lower control arm (transverse link) bolt. Looks like this swivel type bolt is pressed in somehow.

I'm thinking I need to get a new lower control arm, but has anyone repaired this before?

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

this is why i just replaced the entire control arms assembly...that bolt you jacked up is the bolt i had to cut to get the damn assembly off

you can buy just that piece and have it pressed in...when I did mine I checked: advance and auto zone both carry them

tdabboud

iTrader: (6)

No need to buy a new control arm for $100+...just get a moog ball joint and replace it and your good to go . On Rockauto it is $47, but i did not check around anywhere else

VQP0WER

lol. The wife couldn't figure out wtf I was doing. Cussin inside the garage with sparks flying everywhere from my grinder. Then the damn nut finally came off with the air chisel.

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

same thing happened to me..took me all day and 10 blades to get those off...i wasnt happy...

wish you needed something else...i have two completely good LCAs in my garage...except for that part i had to cut

VQP0WER

I guess if my noobish self would have realized that was the lower ball joint and not just a "bolt", I could have properly searched these forums where I got numerous hits.

Some people say they can be punched out, others say replace the arms. I'm too tired to figure out what I'm gonna do.

So Jason, you got two control arms with no ball joints installed?

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

they both have the ***** in them...but the ***** are the reason i replaced them (they are shot and just flop around)..and the bolt is cut off

you can replace just the *****...but seemed like a pain to me so i just did the entire thing (from dave b)

knight_yyz

iTrader: (40)

go to a place where you can rent/borrow a tool and ask for a ball joint remover. It will take you 5 minutes to replace the ball joint.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...u=00915822000P

I used this one to do 3 maximas a few weeks ago.

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

o yeah...you can rent those tools for cheap at advance

tdabboud

iTrader: (6)

The ball joint is all you need to replace so dont waste your money on a whole control arm. If not sears, go to autozone and rent the ball joint puller. Its actually not difficult at all to replace them. and you save a lot more money

luvlexus101

iTrader: (6)

Remove the snap ring from around the top then either use the ball joint press to remove it or hammer it out. I had this problem after I changed my wheel bearing, I had a hard time getting the nut out and I messed it all up.

After you get it out, just line the new ball joint up underneath, if you get MOOG, leave the grease fitting off till its pressed in. I think mine was around 40 dollars off amazon with 2 day shipping. Once you get it lined up, use an impact or 1/2 inch drive(whatever you choose to use) with the ball joint press and press it in straight, put on the snap ring and you're good to go.

I first tried pressing it with a C clamp but I just bent the clamp handle. Next morning I went to pep boys, rented the tool for free (100 dollars deposit) and finished pressing it within 2-3 minutes.

VQP0WER

Thanks alot guys. I'm gonna get to Advance Auto and get a loaner ball joint puller kit. It's only supposed to be about 100 degrees tomorrow, so it should be cool enough to work on it.

luvlexus101

iTrader: (6)

I rather it be 100 out than raining like when I did mine

VQP0WER

I cannot for the life of me figure out how to use this ball joint press. It came with like a dozen different adapters. arg..

Anybody know what piece of this press goes where in order to press this thing out?

cjandura

iTrader: (3)

Use the large deep cup on the bottom of the ball joint make sure that it fits around the outter lip of the ball joint.On the top use a narrow cup that fits around the ID of the ball joint hole.
Good Luck

VQP0WER

I finally got it. Got almost everything put together just to find out the threads at the end of the CV joint are all messed up and the nut won't go on. Tried grinding it down but with no luck. Looks like I'm gonna get a new CV joint now....lovely.