Replacing Ball Joint Boot

neophitos · Post by **neophitos** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 8:01 pm

I have a split ball joint boot on my 89 L Series 4WD Sportswagon and I was just wondering whether you can install a new boot without too much trouble (ie. without having to take out the ball joint).
Have any of you got any tips? I dont have a ball joint puller so im not sure if I can do it.

Matatak · Post by **Matatak** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 8:05 pm

new ball joint shuld only be liek $30

also never thguht that the boots culd be changed on them (as in didnt no u culd get new ones)..and wuldnt be doable neways unless the control arm came off first.

Subafury · Post by **Subafury** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 8:06 pm

i think its easier and more beneficial to replace the whole thing- only like under $20 ea and they are a wearable item.

neophitos · Post by **neophitos** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 8:11 pm

Will i need a puller to replace a ball joint then?

brumbyrunner · Post by **brumbyrunner** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 8:30 pm

neophitos wrote:Will i need a puller to replace a ball joint then?

As already suggested, replace the whole balljoint.
You don't need a puller on a little joint like this but you should probably get someone experienced to show you how it's done.
That will save you a lot of grief.

Suby Wan Kenobi · Post by **Suby Wan Kenobi** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 1:13 am

If the boot is split or missing and water and dirt have already been rapidly wearing away what use was left in it.As suggested replace it.

SUBYDAZZ · Post by **SUBYDAZZ** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 8:09 am

You'll need something strong to lever it off of the steering knuckle, and then something kind to go between it and a BFH to get it out of the lower control arm. A backyard job for sure. Don't really matter it you damage it while taking out if you are replacing it anyway.

plucky · Post by **plucky** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 10:39 am

http://stores.ebay.com.au/UltraCheapAut ... esstQQtZkm

Ben · Post by **Ben** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 11:13 am

plucky wrote:http://stores.ebay.com.au/UltraCheapAut ... esstQQtZkm

Ultracheap is ultracrap

be warned

Post by **Alex** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 2:09 pm

i JUST replaced mine whilst i was doing the wheel bearings. Cost me $28 for a real nice looking one

1. Take the split out of the castle nut under the control arm
2. Remove the castle nut (should be a 17mm)
3. Undo the bolt on the bottom part of the hub where the head of the ball joint goes into the hub.
4. Whilst pushing down on the control arm hit the bottom of the balljoint being careful not to stuff the thread (unless your putting a whole new one in) the threaded part of the balljoint should pop out of the control arm.
5. Pry apart the hub where there's a split in it, and the ball joint SHOULD come out rather easily.
6. Do the opposite and re-assemble.

hopefully i didnt miss anything. Its pretty easy to do

alex