The Subaru SVX World Network   SVX Network Forums
Live Chat!
SVX or Subaru Links
Old Lockers
Photo Post
How-To Documents
Message Archive
SVX Shop Search
IRC users:

Go Back   The Subaru SVX World Network > SVX Main Forums > Technical Q & A

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10-29-2005, 05:40 AM
Bigdave
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Ball Joint Question?

Has anyone ever replaced the front ball joints themselves? It does not sound like a hard job, and I was wondering if this has been done? If so any problems or suggestions? Thanks, Dave.

Last edited by Bigdave; 10-29-2005 at 05:42 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10-29-2005, 09:26 AM
mbtoloczko's Avatar
mbtoloczko mbtoloczko is offline
sans SVX
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Richland, WA
Posts: 4,250
Send a message via AIM to mbtoloczko
I think that the factory service manual recommends disconnecting the suspension knuckle from the strut. If you do it by that method, there's nothing hard except that the strut-to-knuckle bolts can be a bit corroded and not loosen up easily.

Alternatively, it can be done without disconnecting the knuckles from the struts. In this case, its a bit tricky to remove the ball joint from the A-arm because the steering knuckle gets in the way of removing the bolts. If you position it just right, it can be done.
__________________
Mychailo
:: 2006 Silver Mitsubishi Evolution 9, E85, 34 psi peak, 425wtq/505whp DJ ::
1995 Laguna Blue SVX L AWD 5MT (sold)

Visit my locker

SVX Mods: ND iridium spark plugs, Impreza RS fpr, afr tuned to 13.2:1 using a custom MAF bypass, custom exhaust, WRX 5MT w/ STi RA 1st-4th gear & stock WRX 5th gear, Exedy 13 lb flywheel & Sport Clutch, STi Group N tranny & engine mounts, urethane spacers in rear subframe, rear diff mounts, and pitch stopper, SVX Sport Strut Springs (185f/150r), custom 19 mm rear swaybar, urethane swaybar mounts, Rota Torque 17x8", 225/45-17 Proxes 4 tires, Axxis Deluxe Plus organic brake pads.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10-29-2005, 09:56 AM
AFBeefcake's Avatar
AFBeefcake AFBeefcake is offline
Subaru Swapper
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Griswold, CT
Posts: 1,779
Send a message via AIM to AFBeefcake
I removed mine to install a new CV joint. I was easier then ball joints on any other Subaru.

Remove the sway bar end link.
Remove the ball joint to knuckle bolt
Pry between the a-arm and knuckle to separate the ball joint from the knuckle.
Remove the 3 ball joint to a-arm bolts.
__________________
2005 Legacy GT
2002 WRX VF22, Pinks, big TMIC and turbo back 128,*** miles
My WRX's Cardomain Page
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10-29-2005, 08:11 PM
Bigdave
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Thanks for the info. Sounds like natures Locktite is the only big problem with doing this. Dave.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10-29-2005, 08:24 PM
svxfiles's Avatar
svxfiles svxfiles is offline
There's a storm coming.
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Wiley Ford WV
Posts: 8,650
Significant Technical Input Registered SVX
Dave, it's 4 bolts, just use Locktight Red or Blue on those 4 bolts so you don't join the scracthed roof club, Tom.
__________________
www.svxfiles.com
The first SuperCharged SVX,
the first 4.44 gears,
the first equal length headers,
the first phenolic spacers,
the first Class Glass fiberglass hood,
the first with 4, 4.44s in his driveway


Fiberglass Hood thread
My locker
4.44 Swap link
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10-31-2005, 11:57 AM
Bigdave
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Question?
I have the bolts out but without screwing this up what do you use to pry the ball joint and the knuckle apart. Something like a pickle fork? Is it just a pin on the ball joint that the bolt compress the knuckle on? Thanks for the help so far. Dave.

Last edited by Bigdave; 10-31-2005 at 12:03 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10-31-2005, 12:06 PM
svxfiles's Avatar
svxfiles svxfiles is offline
There's a storm coming.
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Wiley Ford WV
Posts: 8,650
Significant Technical Input Registered SVX
In most cases you can just pull down on the lower control arm to pull the ball joint out of the steering knuckle.
But yes if you have to you can pry the lower control arm down and away.
A ball joint fork or tie rod end fork is fine.
__________________
www.svxfiles.com
The first SuperCharged SVX,
the first 4.44 gears,
the first equal length headers,
the first phenolic spacers,
the first Class Glass fiberglass hood,
the first with 4, 4.44s in his driveway


Fiberglass Hood thread
My locker
4.44 Swap link

Last edited by svxfiles; 11-03-2005 at 02:09 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10-31-2005, 12:08 PM
mbtoloczko's Avatar
mbtoloczko mbtoloczko is offline
sans SVX
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Richland, WA
Posts: 4,250
Send a message via AIM to mbtoloczko
Remove the bolt from the pinch clamp, and then lightly pry open the clamp. The ball joint will drop right down (if its not heavily corroded).
__________________
Mychailo
:: 2006 Silver Mitsubishi Evolution 9, E85, 34 psi peak, 425wtq/505whp DJ ::
1995 Laguna Blue SVX L AWD 5MT (sold)

Visit my locker

SVX Mods: ND iridium spark plugs, Impreza RS fpr, afr tuned to 13.2:1 using a custom MAF bypass, custom exhaust, WRX 5MT w/ STi RA 1st-4th gear & stock WRX 5th gear, Exedy 13 lb flywheel & Sport Clutch, STi Group N tranny & engine mounts, urethane spacers in rear subframe, rear diff mounts, and pitch stopper, SVX Sport Strut Springs (185f/150r), custom 19 mm rear swaybar, urethane swaybar mounts, Rota Torque 17x8", 225/45-17 Proxes 4 tires, Axxis Deluxe Plus organic brake pads.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11-03-2005, 10:58 AM
Bigdave
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
They are out! A well placed blow with a hammer and drift broke them free. Now the new ones go in as soon as they arrive. Thanks a lot for the help. Dave.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11-05-2005, 05:18 PM
billb billb is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Akron, OH
Posts: 165
I'm a little late with this, but...
I did mine a few weeks ago and put a "How to" on the svxipedia site.
__________________
Bill
94 SVX LE 130,000mi
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11-07-2005, 11:15 AM
Earthworm's Avatar
Earthworm Earthworm is offline
Meow!
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Posts: 11,957
Send a message via ICQ to Earthworm Send a message via AIM to Earthworm Send a message via MSN to Earthworm Send a message via Yahoo to Earthworm Send a message via Skype™ to Earthworm
Quote:
Originally Posted by billb
I'm a little late with this, but...
I did mine a few weeks ago and put a "How to" on the svxipedia site.
I do apologize for not yet adding the how-to. I need to do a little bit of programming to accomodate the image format you chose. I'm currently working on a way to automatically (dynamically) resize images based on page/user preferences and preserve bandwidth in the process.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 11-07-2005, 03:27 PM
billb billb is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Akron, OH
Posts: 165
The ball joint how to is there. The other monster I did on the throttle body, etc isn't there yet. I can understand your difficulty with that one. If I do another I'll use a better picture format. Those are just too big.
__________________
Bill
94 SVX LE 130,000mi
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 11-07-2005, 05:40 PM
Earthworm's Avatar
Earthworm Earthworm is offline
Meow!
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Posts: 11,957
Send a message via ICQ to Earthworm Send a message via AIM to Earthworm Send a message via MSN to Earthworm Send a message via Yahoo to Earthworm Send a message via Skype™ to Earthworm
Yeah, don't use GIF as you are limited to 256 colors. Just use JPG. File size is not an issue for me as my server is going to dynamically resize them. It's going to be cool!
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 11-09-2005, 03:37 PM
Bigdave
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
The ball joints are in! Thanks everyone for your help. Dave.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:49 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
© 2001-2015 SVX World Network
(208)-906-1122