Date:         Sat, 28 May 2005 08:22:19 -0700
Reply-To:     Paul Guzyk <paullist@GUZYK.COM>
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From:         Paul Guzyk <paullist@GUZYK.COM>
Subject:      Re: Lower Ball Joints...what is involved in "pressing them in"...?
In-Reply-To:  <20050528021457.39315.qmail@web32402.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
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>I've read the lower ones have to be "pressed in".
>Anybody done it (or had it done) that can elaborate on
>this procedure for me?
>

Upper ball joints are a piece of cake.

Lower ball joints are a PITA. (unless Syncro, they are easier than
2WD).  Luckily, lower ball joints dont' usually where out as often as
upper ball joints.

---

You have to remove the steering knuckle and use a hydraulic press to
press them out.

The ball joints are not perpendicular to the knuckle and there is
limited room around the ball joint for your press to work.  You may
have to fabricate a tool of some sort to help your press contact
properly.  (assuming you have a press)

I always take mine to a machine shop in Berkeley, CA (around the
corner from Buslab).  They have a jig for doing it...