Does Anyone know where I can find a DIY for replacing the lower ball joints? I was just quoted $542 for the job and was wondering how hard it might be to DIY.
Vehicle: E320, SLK320, MKV Jetta TDI, Mini Cooper S
Location: Arizona
Posts: 1,679
lower ball joint replacement.
In short, support the car on jack stands so you can remove the tire, brake caliper and brake disk as well as the schield behind the brake disk. Then use a jack to support the control arm so the spring doesn't let loose. Disconnect the nut on the ball joint and and let the jack down slowly and just far enough to get the ball joint clear. Take the backing nut off the ball joint and tap it out or use jount puller tool to remove it. Install the new one. Raise the control arm with the jack and get the upper nut on. Put all the brake parts and what all you took off back on.
Do a search on the forum. There have been other posts with pictures and tips.
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If I buy 2 Meyle Control Arms "Heavy Duty Replacements" with Bushings and 2 new ball joints is the procedure easier? Looks like just adding the new parts makes it less work than trying to hammer out the old ball joints alone. The "heavy duty" makes me think they are better than oem. I found the parts at autohauz. I think the price quote is high - especially w/ no alignment.
The reason I ask is because I have uneven tire wear on the outside edges of both my front tires - rears are even. The dealership stated that I needed lower ball joints but the indie said I needed bushings. I checked under the car myself and the sway bar bushings look worn but other components look ok. Can you visually inspect these parts or just troubleshoot by replacing? I notice a clunking sound over some bumps but not others and a slight creak upon complete stop when the front recovers from initial "nose dive".
Does Anyone know where I can find a DIY for replacing the lower ball joints? I was just quoted $542 for the job and was wondering how hard it might be to DIY.
WOW. THAT is a total ripoff. I don't have a DIY but replacement is easy. Bought some 'lems' off autohausaz. Half a grand??? That would be more than double what I would pay including alignment!
WOW. THAT is a total ripoff. I don't have a DIY but replacement is easy. Bought some 'lems' off autohausaz. Half a grand??? That would be more than double what I would pay including alignment!
I thought the same thing. I just dont want to get in over my head on the job. Doing some reseach I on the forum I got everything from "it was easy" to "it took 5 hours for one" side?!?
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