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#1
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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. |
#2
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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.
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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. |
#3
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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.
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2005 Legacy GT 2002 WRX VF22, Pinks, big TMIC and turbo back 128,*** miles My WRX's Cardomain Page |
#4
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Thanks for the info. Sounds like natures Locktite is the only big problem with doing this. Dave.
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#5
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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.
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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 |
#6
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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. |
#7
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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.
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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. |
#8
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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).
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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. |
#9
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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.
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#10
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I'm a little late with this, but...
I did mine a few weeks ago and put a "How to" on the svxipedia site.
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Bill 94 SVX LE 130,000mi |
#11
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Quote:
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David B. SVXipedia @ SVX-IW.COM -- SVX Information Warehouse 2.0 coming...eventually! Ebony 1992 SVX LS-L 5 spd Koni/GC Stebro 187k miles RIP (Rust In Pieces) 1993 SVX 5 spd Koni/GC Stebro Polyurethane bushings still available! |
#12
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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.
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Bill 94 SVX LE 130,000mi |
#13
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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!
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David B. SVXipedia @ SVX-IW.COM -- SVX Information Warehouse 2.0 coming...eventually! Ebony 1992 SVX LS-L 5 spd Koni/GC Stebro 187k miles RIP (Rust In Pieces) 1993 SVX 5 spd Koni/GC Stebro Polyurethane bushings still available! |
#14
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The ball joints are in! Thanks everyone for your help. Dave.
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