Ball joint removal and installation on a LCA

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MaximaGuy

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I want to replace the LBJ (Lower Ball Joints) on my maxima, but then it is pressed into the LCA. Removing it would be easy just a smack with a hammer on the top of the ball joint, but then putting a new one in needs the ball joint to be pressed into the LCA (like a lug nut has be be pulled into the wheel).

Any ideas, would a simple C-clamp or a outer tie rod puller be used to push the ---- into the LCA (my idea is not to bring the whole LCA out and put it back in).
 
The clamp might work, if you have the props. Clean the hole real well and use some lube. But if the clamp won't push the new one in, be prepared for Plan B.
 
The parts store that sells you the new ball joint probably has a ball joint press that you can rent or borrow.

I've done that before. These are not hydralic presses, but mechanical ones and will probably fit while the LCA is still fitted to the car.
 
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Ball Joint press is something the maxima forum folks have recommended but then would it be possible to maneuver the press with the LCA hanging on the vehicle.

Plan B is not in place, looking at the below URL.

http://www.brandsplace.com/0246-otc7503.html

I could push the ---- into the LCA from the bottom.

The URL for the ---- is as follows, the surface that slides into the LCA is pretty smooth to help it slide in..

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/produc...gory=ball_joint

I don't want to get into this exercise if Plan B is to get a impact wrench and have to disassemble the LCA.
 
The balljoint won't come out with a simple smack. Corrosion isn't a friend.
I myself would remove the LCA. But, thats because of the press I have. Borrowed or rental tools would be smart.
Freeze the ball joints, wire brush the LCA, and with a little lube, they'll go in much easier.
And, snap-ring removal/installation is easier on the bench.
 
I replaced the entire LCA on my Mazda - got new ball joint, & 2x LCA bushings for ~$70 compared to $30 for just the LBJ. Simple unbolt/bolt installation.
 
The press that javacontour posted is the right one; the one you posted is a puller for the tie rod end.

Don't try to bang it out! It won't work and you'll be putting the control arm at risk of being damaged. The press is designed to remove the ball joint AND install it.

Disconnect the sway bar link from the lower control arm; that'll allow you to swing the LCM down away from the spindle once you get the ball joint separated from the spindle. After that, you should be able to set up the ball joint press to press out the ball joint from the LCM and then press in your new one.

AutoZone rents out special tools, but I'm not sure if they have a ball joint press. The kids that work there won't know what one is, but they have a chart with pictures of the different tools they rent out; so all you have to do is point to the right picture and then they'll know which tool to go get from the back room.
 
Heat the LCA with a torch - protect any rubber bushings - a wet rag may suffice.
But first put the ball joint in the freezer for at least an hour.
The new ball joint will now go in much easier with any common sense means.
 
unDummy/ javacontour:

I got the same tool referenced by u both at Autozone. Rented it, now comes the fun part (BTW, I was quoted $400 for replacing them, 4 hrs @ $105/hr) dealing with the unknown's.

Wish me luck gentlemen.
 
ive awalys had good luck with the hammer method. i first soak the offending part in wd40 or other oil overnight. the next day i use 2 sledge hammers. the first one i put behind the balljoint or tie rod end to give it extra static weight. the second one is used to squarely smack the part with good force.
one or 2 hits awalys does it for me.
ive never had a balljoint or tie rod end that i couldnt get with this method.
 
Completed replacing the LBJs on my dear maxima. I must tell you it took me 8 hrs to complete (including running to Kragen two times once for snap-ring pliers, and once again for ---- separator, lunch, some time online, etc).

This is a back breaking exercise, I hope I don't have to do this once again. I would have been better off spending $400 and getting it done by professionals.

Very hard job and it is going to take my another week to recover.
 
Quote:

I replaced the entire LCA on my Mazda - got new ball joint, & 2x LCA bushings for ~$70 compared to $30 for just the LBJ. Simple unbolt/bolt installation.

Click to expand...


thats the way to do it. much easier. sometimes the hole where the ball joint goes gets distorted. i much prefer this method.
 
It's always hard the first time; the second time will be a piece-a-cake.
grin.gif
 
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