5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.

Ball Joint and Tie Rod Kit For 2002-2003 Maxima

Old May 12, 2012 | 08:41 AM
  #1  
DjHackStyle's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 972
From: Bronx, NY
Ball Joint and Tie Rod Kit For 2002-2003 Maxima

hey guys im looking for a ball joint removal and installation tool, im looking to do my own ball joints and tie rods on my 2003 maxima, and im working on my friends 2002 maxima aswell both 3.5's.
i dont want to rent any tools, i rather buy them, i just want to buy the tool that will fit my car because i heard many brands where it doesnt fit the maximas.

im buying moog ball joints from rockauto here
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=925995

im buying moog tie rods ends, and im not sure which tie rod inners to buy, theres so many on rock auto here, please recommend some.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,7428

the tools im looking at harbor freight to buy them, if you feel there is a way better tool and worth the extra money please recommend. links are appreciated im not going to a shop by any means and im fully capable of doing the jobs, i just need the right tools to buy, and im tired of paying ppl to work on my car, i just did my spark plugs, was a piece of cake.

harbor freight ball joint tool
http://www.harborfreight.com/four-wh...-kit-4065.html

harbor freight tie rod tool
http://www.harborfreight.com/inner-t...set-96558.html

do i need this tie rod puller? looks interesting
http://www.harborfreight.com/tie-rod...ller-1752.html
Old May 12, 2012 | 09:02 AM
  #2  
DjHackStyle's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 972
From: Bronx, NY
maybe this tool is better for ball joints, just saw it on harbor freight

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-1-...kit-38335.html

Old May 13, 2012 | 03:06 PM
  #3  
DjHackStyle's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 972
From: Bronx, NY
So what tool does everyone use?
Old May 13, 2012 | 03:11 PM
  #4  
merovi's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 0
From: Rochester NY
Most people have the ball joints done at shops or but the LCA with the pre installed. You can use that tool however with hand tools it's going to be PITA. You will also need a ball joint retainer clip tool. It's like pliers with a curved edge and pointed tips. They remove retainer clips on both sides of the joint before you press it out.

Don't forget the alignment afterwards
Old May 13, 2012 | 03:13 PM
  #5  
merovi's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 0
From: Rochester NY
Also, not sure if you need that puller. I've changed the inner/outer tie rods and never used that.
Old May 13, 2012 | 07:18 PM
  #6  
luvlexus101's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,419
From: Queens Village, NY
I can't speak on the inner tie rod removal tools. However that balljoint press pictured above can be rented at an autozone for free and is absolutely necessary.
Old May 13, 2012 | 07:49 PM
  #7  
TunerMaxima3000's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 5,545
From: Ontario, Canada
Originally Posted by DjHackStyle
maybe this tool is better for ball joints, just saw it on harbor freight

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-1-...kit-38335.html

This is the tool for ball joint re:re if you're changing ONLY the ball joint.

You only need a hammer to disconnect the ball joint and tie rod. Just crack the jam nut on the tie rod free before disconnecting it from the Knuckle.
Old May 13, 2012 | 07:52 PM
  #8  
luvlexus101's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,419
From: Queens Village, NY
Might want a pickle fork for separating the tie rod as well.
Old May 13, 2012 | 08:01 PM
  #9  
DjHackStyle's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 972
From: Bronx, NY
Ok great feedback! So im going to buy the ball joint tool pictured for my ball joints and a snap ring pliers, anybody know if that INNER tie rod tools fits our INNER tie rods?
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kingw323
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
20
Oct 21, 2015 08:36 AM
soon2ownmax
6th Generation Maxima (2004-2008)
0
Aug 13, 2015 02:19 PM
Flores94
6th Generation Maxima (2004-2008)
3
Aug 11, 2015 12:53 PM
classymax420
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
6
Aug 6, 2015 06:35 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:51 PM.