Ball Joints...I know I searched!

[5speed02]

So we have Euromark and Deutsche Parts selling a pressable(sp?) ball joints to install into our pre-March 02 Knuckles. Who has used each vendor, how have they held up? I googled Deutsche parts and some of the Bimmer guys were unhappy with the quality of parts from them. I need to do the joints I just wanted a little more feedback on the different vendors. DP is closer to me but Euromark is offering free shipping. Let me hear your thoughts!

 

[Right on the Mark]

All the ball joints are the same as far as i know. Like i mentioned before about them the rubber boots are too soft and rip way to easy. Lube them up like mad on install. They work fine just boots blow.

 

[rt2barbers]

Ball Joints

Are the '02 ball joints serviceable? Dealer said that I must buy the whole knuckle to correct worn ball joints......$500 plus per side, retail.

 

[Right on the Mark]

They are the same except for the stud size of 14mm or 16mm. I thought I saw they where making the 16mm ones now. They go for roughly 120 apair.

 

[2000sport]

i will be purchasing these soon as well...

the 2 new tires out back solved a good chunk of the vibration issue, but still got a bit of noise up front...

what all will I need to install these? I know I can rent the press from autozone... but what else? and any estimate on install time?

no one will do an alignment on the car until I replace the drivers side joint... and i need an alignment ASAP

 

[Right on the Mark]

Time can vary huge on this job. If everything comes apart ok and you have all the adapters and collars (rented press won't have right install tube)to get job done couple hours. If (most likely) the hubs are frozen in then you can go for days at them lol. Thats if you want to reuse your hubs and not kill them. Mine where frozen in like they where welded in, what a fight.

 

[TheArchaic1]

Time can vary huge on this job. If everything comes apart ok and you have all the adapters and collars (rented press won't have right install tube)to get job done couple hours. If (most likely) the hubs are frozen in then you can go for days at them lol. Thats if you want to reuse your hubs and not kill them. Mine where frozen in like they where welded in, what a fight.

I had to do the driver's side on my Contour. I just got a used one from a junkyard and took it to Napa and they pressed in the bearing. I fought the F***ER for a day then said screw it, and put it back together and took it to a shop. They had it off in 5 minutes and had the swap done in less than 45. It cost me 90 bucks for the labor and 25 for the hub at the junkyard. Worked great until I sold the car.

 

[2000sport]

ahh the ball joints were a bit pricier on my old avenger (control arm/joint was one unit...) but so much easier (i replaced it once at the dealer under warranty and another 6 times on my own, yes they had issues with the lower pass side control arm, yet they recalled the lower drivers side... dont ask me why chrysler does stupid things like this.)

looks like I'll take it to a mechanic... no more stealership labor rates.

 

[pragmatic]

If (most likely) the hubs are frozen in then you can go for days at them lol. Thats if you want to reuse your hubs and not kill them. Mine where frozen in like they where welded in, what a fight.

I'll post how I got the hubs off again (search to find photos and a longer explanation).

Knock out the wheel studs.
Place a bolt with a nut into the stud holes, so the bolt head is against the knuckle and the nut is against the hub (threads extending past the bolt into the stud hole)
Once four of the stud holes have bolts (one will not be able to align with the knuckle) loosen the nuts so that the bolt heads press hard against the knuckle and draw the hub out of the knuckle.

Picture will make it obvious how this works. I can almost guarantee any hub can be removed in less than an hour with this method (assuming a suitably big hammer is available to remove the studs).

 

[5speed02]

Ok I just hung up with Ed from Euromarque! He gave me the free shipping, and they will be in the mail tomorrow as today is Veterans Day (Thank You To All Who Serve). I will update when they get installed!