How do I change a ball joint?

swilson · **June 05, 2017, 21:34:59**

hi, i'm having trouble changing the front lower ball joint on my wifes 2011 i30, first i tried a ball joint splitter which i broke, i removed the nut on the bottom to seperate it from the arm but i can't see how this can be removed, help please

swilson · **Reply #1: June 05, 2017, 21:47:01**

sorry but it wont let me add pictures

Dazzler · **Reply #2: June 05, 2017, 23:15:17**

Quote from: swilson on June 05, 2017, 21:47:01

sorry but it wont let me add pictures

Hi, You need to upload them to a hosting site like Imgur and then post forum (BB) links in your post on here...

Lakes · **Reply #3: June 05, 2017, 23:48:59**

Take care doing that, as if arm damaged.... don't want that breaking.
I think safer replacing arm with new ball joint already fitted. I saw a lot of old cars like Holden & Chev have arm crack & fail from ball joint replacing. Can kill you if that happen's ( at wrong place wrong time ) so take great care!!!

swilson · **Reply #4: June 06, 2017, 05:02:20**

mickd · **Reply #5: June 06, 2017, 07:39:23**

Hi swilson,
Its been a long, long time since I did one of these.
Shouldn't you have undone the bottom nut then used the "splitter " to separate the arm from ball joint, then remove the upper assembly / or the bolts holding ball joint in place ?
Looks to me as if you've split the ball joint.
Sure there would be some YouTube on using a splitter some where.

mickd · **Reply #6: June 06, 2017, 07:45:15**

Sorry 2nd picture has just opened,
If there is nothing up the top bolting ball joint in then I think that whole assembly will need to be dismantled. Try front wheel drive ball joint replacement, or wait for more knowledgeable people than me.

tw2005 · **Reply #7: June 06, 2017, 08:56:57**

It's a little to mangled for me to tel but, These images will give a very distinctive clue.

AFAIK we don't have that setup here.

mickd · **Reply #8: June 06, 2017, 09:09:51**

Maybe clean it up a bit see what you uncover as the shield looks the same - fingers crossed 👍

swilson · **Reply #9: June 06, 2017, 16:28:47**

Quote from: tw2005 on June 06, 2017, 08:56:57

It's a little to mangled for me to tel but, These images will give a very distinctive clue.

AFAIK we don't have that setup here.

Yes this is the correct part, is it a 50mm socket that's needed to remove it?

mickd · **Reply #10: June 07, 2017, 05:22:40**

That's going to be a very deep socket, try ring spanner, open ended spanner or as last resort a BIG shifter.

tw2005 · **Reply #11: June 07, 2017, 08:47:26**

Quote from: mickd on June 07, 2017, 05:22:40

That's going to be a very deep socket, try ring spanner, open ended spanner or as last resort a BIG shifter.

I don't know what the size is , but I'd be leaning to either a 6 sided socket for max grip or getting someone to do it. IIf it slips , rounds, doubt you'll get a second chance

Impact wrench could be handy, don't envy this one.

nzenigma · **Reply #12: June 17, 2017, 04:19:31**

Bit late on this. A stillsons pipe wrench will move it. But the arm needs to be clamped in a vice.

tw2005 · **Reply #13: June 17, 2017, 06:59:41**

Quote from: nzenigma on June 17, 2017, 04:19:31

Bit late on this. A stillsons pipe wrench will move it. But the arm needs to be clamped in a vice.

Left arm if right handed?

nzenigma · **Reply #14: June 17, 2017, 07:15:55**

trust you

tw2005 · **Reply #15: June 17, 2017, 07:26:19**

Quote from: nzenigma on June 17, 2017, 07:15:55

trust you

I'm actually thinking if both arms were clamped in the first place, this situation would not exist.

swilson · **Reply #16: June 18, 2017, 21:55:07**

well i managed it, the socket wouldn't with with the little shield being in the way, so i got a shifting spanner, passenger side was fine but the drivers side was a right c**t, i had to cut eh old shield off with a grinder so i could get the socket on, then plant both feet against the brake disc and almost pull my arms off trying to get it, but its done now

Dazzler · **Reply #17: June 18, 2017, 22:02:05**

Good to hear. That's why you seldom see an old mechanic.. (mind you, we've got a couple on here...)

mickd · **Reply #18: June 18, 2017, 23:10:02**

Quote from: swilson on June 18, 2017, 21:55:07

well i managed it, the socket wouldn't with with the little shield being in the way, so i got a shifting spanner, passenger side was fine but the drivers side was a right c**t, i had to cut eh old shield off with a grinder so i could get the socket on, then plant both feet against the brake disc and almost pull my arms off trying to get it, but its done now

Some steel pipe in different lengths will improve leverage and make life easier.
You also now know why mech's take a few seconds to answer when asked "how much to do blah?"
they are factoring in the amount of gut busting, frustration and skin lost !

tw2005 · **Reply #19: June 19, 2017, 03:02:04**

Quote from: swilson on June 18, 2017, 21:55:07

well i managed it, the socket wouldn't with with the little shield being in the way, so i got a shifting spanner, passenger side was fine but the drivers side was a right c**t, i had to cut eh old shield off with a grinder so i could get the socket on, then plant both feet against the brake disc and almost pull my arms off trying to get it, but its done now

nice. Tough job. I'd hate to be in the same situation.