I got a pair of Moog replacements and got under the car to see if there was anything that might catch me off gaurd. The driver ball joint nut was rounded out, and very frozen. Looks like its going to need some heat. The passenger side nut came right off, as did the retainer clip.
However.... the ball joint wont budge. I have the control arm supported from the bottom to hold it in place, and I went to the largest hammer and it all but laughed at me. Anyone got suggestions, besides a torch?

 

You can change ball joints w/o taking the control arm off? If so, id definatly want to know how...

 

Is it required to take the control arm off and use a press? or something to that effect? I looked for an FAQ or how to on this but didnt see it.

 

what are you using to remove the nut? an open ended wrench?

I personally think it is easier to remove the axle end from the hub (leaving the other end in the transmission) and hitting the nut from above with a socket/impact wrench.

 

ttt...Where did you get the ball joints from and did you have success changing any of them? Please, need info

 

in the Haynes Repair Manual, it says 1995 and later Maximas must replace the lower control arm if you need a new balljoint. the balljoint alone is not serviceable.

 

That's exactly what it says in my Chiltons and my FSM but apparently there are a few people on the board that say that it's possible to replace them. Even if it is possible, I don't understand where one would buy it, if technically it's not possible to replace it according to Nissan

 

i would not try to service the balljoints. it was designed to not be replaced seperately, so why mess with it and look for possible problems down the road if you do happen to get them replaced? i know alot of things are made to certain specs and we end up modifying them one way or another, but this is a serious safety issue. if one of those goes because you replaced it seperately, you can and probably will lose control of your car if one of them goes on you all of a sudden.