Offroad-Express

Tried to remove a ball joint but it seems I will need to dismantle the hub and axle assembly to make clearance enough to lift out the joint. Is this so or is there some trick I'm missing? I haven't been into one of these automatic hubs before. What am I in for? Whats the procedure? Any special tools? What brain dead designer would make it impossible to flick out a simple ball joint without pulling the house down? Ah, well I suppose this is the automotive world, nothing practicle of course. Anyone had a been there and done that experience with your ball joints?

If you are doing what I think you are doing you will need to somehow jack betwee nthe two a-arms to separate them...

If you're doing something else then explain yourself better.

Take pics

Steve

I take it you are referring to the lower ball joint on the lower control arm. You will have to pull off the whole hub, disc and halfaxle to get the ball joint seperator onto the balljoint. This seems like a big effort, but if you have good tools (not supercheap or warehouse) it is pretty straight forward. Took me two hours to pull all this off, replace the outer cv, service the inner and replace. As for those auto hubs, get rid off them or they will stuff your front diff in no time if doing serious 4wdriving. I replaced them with strong as shit warns.
Al

i've never used a ball joint seperator in my life and no it isn't because i have never taken off a ball joint

i just hit the end of the shaft with the hole with a big hammer and i hit it hard it breaks the hold on the taper by putting the taper out of shape for a moment

Thanks for your response lads. It's great to know you can get help when you need it. I do appreciate your comments. In the meantime I put everything back together as I had to go to Tauranga. Popped into Bayside 4X4 Spares Ltd and had a chat to Bryce. He confirmed that, yes, you do have to remove hub and axle to allow room to lift out the joint from it's hole. Told me what do do and to watch out for regarding the hub and its bit and bobs. Will tackle the job again in the next few days. Will let you know how I get on.

I take your point about photos Steve sure does make it easier. I aim to get a better camera soon.

I do use a joint separator. I apply pressure then shock the control arm on the side like you do mercutio. This way I don't have to hit it so hard. Can remember missing once (years ago) had to go and retrieve the hammer from the other side of the workshop. Had my mech mates running for cover. Do that today and there would likely be an Osh investigation, a tapu plonked on the workplace, pd for the hammer thrower after extensive psychiatric assessment.

Thanks for your comment Al but I don't do the serious off-road stuff you guys do so my hubs will probably do the distance. Brought this camel to tow a caravan but pulled more furniture trailers than anything else so far.

My wife no good off-roading or yachts. If the mast goes more than 2 degrees off the perpendicular she wants off, same with four wheel driving. If I ditch her there would be no one to put the milk on my cornflakes. So you see, I'm caught between a rock and a hard place. Life is tough.

I am about to tackle this job over the next few days as I failed my WOF. What sort of price are we looking at to replace the ball joints?

Cheers

Cheap, I am sure you can pick them up aftermarket for under $50. Don't go to the nissan burglars.
Al

I paid $31.28 including GST each for the ball joints. Got them from Suspension & Autoparts BOP Ltd. 96 Newton St. Mount Maunganui. Still haven't put mine in yet but getting close. Cheers.

Hi guys. I have removed the wheels, and the 6 bolts that hold the hub onto the disc, but for some reason, it seems to be stuck. Is there something I am missing?, or doing wrong. I would of thought that with the six bolts removed, the hub would just come right off. Cheers

It aint stuck, just a very tight ft. I usually take the whole knuckle assembly off to get at anything to do wth it. I get a jimmy bar in and gently lever it off.
Al

Thanks Al, I finally got it off with the aid of a VERY big hammer. I removed the top ball joint first, then took out the four bolts holding the lower ball joint. The entire disc came away from the driveshaft, which gave me better access to hit the lower ball joint loose. Now in the process of rebuilding.

Mike