When you drive your car, you’re relying on a ball joint to keep everything moving in the right direction. These joints are found all over the vehicle, from the steering wheel to the suspension. If something goes wrong with one of these joints, it can cause serious problems. That’s why it’s important to know how to press a ball joint out; this is a common task that you can perform at home. Here are four steps to follow so that you can get your ball joint back in working order in no time.
What You Need
If you notice that your ball joint is starting to become loose, it’s time to press it out. This is a relatively easy task that can be done at home with just a bit of ingenuity and some common household items. You’ll need:
-A ball joint backed plate or disc (you can pick these up at most auto shops)
-An impact wrench or impact driver
-A drill bit that is the same width as the backing plate or disc
-A socket wrench that fits the drill bit (or a universal Joint Compressor if you have one)
-Tape measure or ruler
1. Locate the ball joint on your car and identify which side is the inside (the side with the wheel). If your ball joint is on the outside, turn it so that it goes inside before proceeding.
2. Remove the bolts that hold down the ball joint backing plate or disc. Most of these bolts are located in one of two places: underneath the car near the axle, or behind and above the wheel hub where it meets the car body. If you don’t know where they are, check underneath your car for manufacturer markings indicating where they should be removed. Once all of the bolts are removed, gently lift off the backing plate or disc. Be prepared to lose some metal!
3. Mark both sides of the backing plate or disc with a tape measure or ruler so you know where to drill. If the ball joint is on the outside of the car, turn it so that it goes inside before drilling.
4. Drill a hole in the marked spot on the backing plate or disc as close to the bolt as possible. Make sure the drill bit is wide enough to fit snugly around the bolt.
5. Insert the socket wrench into the drilled hole and tighten the bolt until it’s tight. Replace the backing plate or disc and bolts, making sure they’re tightened down evenly.
How to Press a Ball Joint Out
If you notice that your ball joint has started to deteriorate or if it feels loose, it’s time to take action. Ball joints are the articulation points in your car’s suspension system, and they allow your wheel to move up and down as you drive. To press a ball joint out, follow these steps:
1. Park your car on a flat surface so that the wheels are straight.
2. Remove the wheel and tire from the car.
3. If necessary, remove any rust or other debris from around the ball joint.
4. Mark the location of the ball joint with a pencil or pen. This will help you positioning it correctly when you reinstall it later on.
5. Place a flat object (like a block of wood) under the ball joint so that it hangs off one end by about 1 inch (2.5 cm). This will serve as a guide for pressing out the ball joint.
6. Press down on the end of the block of wood until you feel it click into place beside the ball joint and hold it there while you unscrew the nut holding on the ball Joint Assembly (Figure A). Once it’s free, remove it and set aside in case you need to replace it later on (Figure B).
Tips on How to Press a Ball Joint Out
If you have a ball joint that’s not moving correctly, there are a few things you can do to try and get it back into working order. Ball joints are notoriously difficult to work on, but with a bit of patience and some know-how, you can get the job done.
1. Disconnect the electrical connections. This will help prevent any further damage to the joint in the event that you do end up breaking it.
2. Locate and remove the bearing cap. If your ball joint has bearings inside it, this will need to be removed in order to access the ball itself.
3. Use an impact wrench or socket set to break the seal between the ball and cup. Once this has been done, use a pick or chisel to gently remove the ball from its cup.
4. Clean any debris off of the ball and cup before reinstalling them using fresh lubricant if necessary.
5. Replace the bearing cap and torque it down to spec (usually around 55 ft lbs). Reconnect all electrical connections and test the joint by moving it around – if everything functions as it should, you’re ready to go!