Date: Sat, 19 Dec 2015 06:55:51 -0800
Reply-To: T3 Technique <christopher@T3TECHNIQUE.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: T3 Technique <christopher@T3TECHNIQUE.COM>
Subject: Re: Lower ball joint video's
In-Reply-To: <CANEuo0gn+FF7Z-zUPoZxWtU=SD0mvx5-mDx8w9yK82WaivQtjw@mail.gmail.com>
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I agree that unless you are an experienced mechanic and have the proper tools/equipment, changing the lower ball joints should be left to someone who knows what they are doing.
One thing that I do that makes installing the joints easier is to remove the rubber boot prior to installation. This exposes more of the flange on the joint which allows better tool engagement. Prior to removing the boot, I have seen quite a few of the flanges fold over and/or break off while pressing the joint into the knuckle. With the boot out of the way, you can use a mandrel that fits up closer to the body of the joint to prevent damage to the flange.
Christopher,
T3technique.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of kenneth wilford (Van-Again)
Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2015 6:14 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Lower ball joint video's
John, doing front end work is my (current) least favorite thing to do on the van. Usually folks never have it done because it is expensive and when it finally gets done all of the bolts are seized, etc. As Dennis said, I would think about the front end as a unit with the brakes included. If you are going to do a brake job, inspect the front end parts at the same time and if they are worn out then just plan on doing everything at the same time. It will save you time and money not having to take things apart twice. Here in the North East the bolts for the lower control arms will be frozen and need to be cut out with a sawzall or grinder, the radius rod bushings will be completely shot and even the hole in the frame for them could be rusted out larger than it should be. It is a big job and if it were me, I would leave it to a shop unless you have all of the tools and a
10 ton hydraulic press (lower ball joints). I don't think you will find a video on the lower ball joints because I don't recommend that folks do them on their own. It is impossible without a large press so at the very least you would take the front upright to a machine shop and have them press the old ones out and the new ones in. They will charge you $100 and then complain that it was super difficult and they lost money on the job. Hey at least you didn't waste time and effort trying to do it and then still wound up taking it to them.
Never used the T3 Technique bushings yet. I know it would make doing the front and rear lower control arm bushings way easier (I super hate doing those). But they are quite a bit more expensive (at this point 10 times).
Are they 10 time better besides the install?
Ken
On Fri, Dec 18, 2015 at 10:19 PM, John Rodgers <jrodgers113@gmail.com>
wrote:
> Anybody got a link to vanagon lower ball joint replacement?
>
> John
>
--
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
