Changing ball joint...
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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Changing ball joint...
I noticed today I have a lower ball joint that has a little play in it on the drivers side of my D44 axle. How much work is it to put in a new one? I kinda looked and it looks as though I just take off the little clip, and take off the nut and it should come out? Or is it alot more then that? Such as pulling out the axle on that side to get to the nut or something like that? Thanks...
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,594
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From: Southern Oregon USA
You have to disassemble down to pulling the axle shaft out to remove the knuckle. Then remove the upper nut and lower nut holding the ball joint to the front axle. Then give the upper and lower knuckle yokes (the ends welded on the axle) a few good whacks on either side and it should come apart.
Once you have the knuckle off, remove the clip on the bottom. I clamp the knuckle in a vise and drive the lower ball joint out from the bottom up. I use a ball peen hammer that is smaller than the diameter of the joint and use a larger hammer to hit it. Once you have the bottom out, use a long drift punch to drive the upper one out through the top.
If you don't have a press, it is worth the money to take your knuckles and joints to someone to be installed. Saves a headache.
Jason
Once you have the knuckle off, remove the clip on the bottom. I clamp the knuckle in a vise and drive the lower ball joint out from the bottom up. I use a ball peen hammer that is smaller than the diameter of the joint and use a larger hammer to hit it. Once you have the bottom out, use a long drift punch to drive the upper one out through the top.
If you don't have a press, it is worth the money to take your knuckles and joints to someone to be installed. Saves a headache.
Jason
