Time for ball joints

[pauljdav]

The last few days I heard a "rattle" whenever my left wheels hit a bump. Today I was going to go for a longer drive on the freeway and wanted to see what the noise was.

I pulled and pushed on the wheel and it moved with a "clunk" back and forth. The upper ball joint must have given up. It has a lot of visible play.

Anyhow all of the bushings are dry and cracked anyhow so it looks like I have some fun times in the garage.

I have never worked on this area of a car before so I am thinking of ordering the fully assembled upper and lower control arms for both sides. Any tips from those that have performed this surgery before?


Paul

[So Cal Mark]

borrow, rent or buy a decent spring compressor

[pope]

If your going that far, check your front shocks for replacement and also check you steering tie-rods. Once your under there, its better to get it all done at the same time.
One thing....make sure you read about how to tighten the bolts on the control arms, once the car is off the jacks and sitting on the ground so you dont preload the rubber bushings.

[manoa matt]

Also a good idea to check the wheel bearings.

[ga.spyder]

I have been collecting parts for the dreaded front end rebuild for a year.My ball joints are fine but all the bushings and tie rods are brittle and cracked.I really hadn't considered the bearings,but I might as well get them and replace at the same time.Something to look forward to..not!
Craig

[ventura ace]

I have been collecting parts for the dreaded front end rebuild for a year.My ball joints are fine but all the bushings and tie rods are brittle and cracked.I really hadn't considered the bearings,but I might as well get them and replace at the same time.Something to look forward to..not!
Craig

If you are replacing the bearings, you should probably replace the seals, and the crimp nuts, also.

[mdrburchette]

Come on Craig! What's more fun than playing in wheel bearing grease? Like Alvon says, don't forget to order those nuts.

[ga.spyder]

UHHHH...at least you suggested that I order some,not grow some!!
Craig

[pauljdav]

Well, today I replaced the ball joints. Not in my fiat yet, in my wife's van. I figured I needed the practice before replacing the ball joints in my Spider.

Actually, the van needed new ball joints also, and I could not fix my fiat without fixing my wife's van.

Anyhow, I also cannot just go to any part store and get parts for my Fiat like I can my other vehicles. I got the parts for the van the day I decided to buy them, the Fiat parts take longer than that.

I will say, however, that I ordered the new control arms loaded with ball joints and bushings from Vicks and they are on the way right now. I am very happy with our suppliers.

Paul

[mdrburchette]

Did you check the condition of your pads, rotors and brake lines before ordering your parts? Have fun with your front end rebuild...I think you'll notice a big change once it's all done.