Lenny1974
Member Since: 10 May 2020
Location: Bristol
Posts: 70
  
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| Front lower arm ball joint removal |
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So, I decided to tackle the front end upper and lower arms the other week.
Thought I would start on the uppers and these weren't too bad even though access to the front upper bolts/nuts is a nightmare if you haven't got Mr. tickle arms. Anyway all swapped and good to go.
I've started on the lowers and found the the right hand side lower ball joint is a blooming nightmare to split. Firstly, I bought a ball joint splitter (The 2 piece version) and the gap between the forks was too narrow. So, the first job was to widen this using my grinder. Then it wouldn't open wide enough to fit between the face and bolt end. So I ground some length off the ball joint bolt so it would fit. I could then get it to fit and screw the bolt down and break the joint. I've done the same on the rh side of the car, but it keeps slipping off the bottom of the ground bolt. I will sort this later in the week and hopefully split the ball joint and remove the lower arm. All other nuts/bolts have already been loosened (Even the dreaded rear bolts that are known to seize in the metal bush).
I wonder if anyone else has had a similar experience, as you look at most videos/guides and the ball joint is generally split using a good old lump hammer and whack. I've ordered a wide gap 'pickling' fork ball joint splitter just in case. I'm certainly adding to my tool collection doing this job, especially long spanners to get some leverage on the bolts.
The axle thread looks a little mangled, so assume someone previously has tried to windy the nut off and strip some of the treads. Although I could change it now, its on the list of jobs for next year.
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 28th Nov 2022 4:49 pm |
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SpiderBaby
D3 Decade
Member Since: 21 Sep 2007
Location: Liverpool
Posts: 1406
 
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I changed my front lowers last weekend.
I separated the ball joint relatively easily by putting a little tension on the underside of the hub with a small bottle jack then giving the joint a couple of hefty whacks with a hammer.
Obviously make sure everything is solid on axle stands. I see no ships........
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| 28th Nov 2022 5:23 pm |
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M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8156
 
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As above, seven pound hammer on opposite side to where you hit it if possible, undo the nut 2 threads 1/2 a dozen whacks and it will be off  . It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
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| 29th Nov 2022 7:47 pm |
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Lenny1974
Member Since: 10 May 2020
Location: Bristol
Posts: 70
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Well, it finally came off last night.
Big lump hammer and ball splitter required. Never thought it would take soo much force to break the joint. I need to double check but I believe the nut should only be torqued to 75nm which doesnt seem high compared to other bolts/nuts on the lower arm.
Just got to put the liner and arch back on and then get the wheel alignment done.
Cheers all !!
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| 30th Nov 2022 9:13 am |
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M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8156
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No need for a ball splitter It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
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| 30th Nov 2022 9:54 am |
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SpiderBaby
D3 Decade
Member Since: 21 Sep 2007
Location: Liverpool
Posts: 1406
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Think the front lower control arm ball joint nut is 115Nm - but I'm happy to be corrected. I see no ships........
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| 30th Nov 2022 12:16 pm |
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Lenny1974
Member Since: 10 May 2020
Location: Bristol
Posts: 70
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I think you're right 
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| 30th Nov 2022 2:27 pm |
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