Wondering if I can change the balljoints on a D50 TTB without removing the rotor/hub assemblys, or is it more trouble than it's worth?

 

gotta remove hub, caliper, rotor, spindle, axle, then the knuckle. Then you remove the BJ's and press the new ones in. Do a search, there are step by step threads with pics. Maybe someone will provide a link.

 

Its not an easy job. especially if you haven't ever had to pull the spindles before, they will be nice and rusted to the knuckle.

 

I know, which is why I was wondering if I could avoid all that. What's stopping me from popping the knuckle apart with the rotating assembly still on??? thanks btw

 

Won't be able to get the nut off the lower ball joint, even if you managed that, you couldn't drop the knuckle low enough with the half shaft in still.

 

But if you undid the snapring inside the hub, wouldn't the half shaft slide right out?

 

I'm bracing myself for this task as well, although mine have been replaced in the past. Someone did an excellent write up with pictures at one point, however I've been unable to find it.

 

NO.

Once you pull the hub and rotor:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/62639173@N03/6224173081/http://www.flickr.com/photos/62639173@N03/6224173081/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/62639173@N03/, on Flickr

HARDEST PART! Getting the old Spindle off:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/62639173@N03/6218856621/http://www.flickr.com/photos/62639173@N03/6218856621/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/62639173@N03/, on Flickr

As you can see, this is a D44, but very similar to the D50. You Literally have to tear the whole axle half apart.

 

Here's a picture without the knuckle also:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/62639173@N03/6221991496/http://www.flickr.com/photos/62639173@N03/6221991496/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/62639173@N03/, on Flickr

Once you have the knuckle seperate, then you need a press to get the balljoints in/out. This is a very labor intensive job.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/62639173@N03/6196420272/http://www.flickr.com/photos/62639173@N03/6196420272/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/62639173@N03/, on Flickr

 

He said it all in the pics can't be done other wise