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MotorGround >> anyone replace ball joints before?
| 10/26/07 9:40 PM | |
metrocksncn
Edited: 26-Oct-07 Member Since: 07/08/2005 Posts: 1166 |
I have to replace the ball joints on my car. I have never done this before, so I'm wondering if this is a pain in the ass job or if it's not too bad. I have access to air tools if that is going to help. How long is this going to take. I would like to know what I have to look forward to. |
| 10/26/07 9:49 PM | |
autotech
5 
Edited: 26-Oct-07 Member Since: 03/27/2003 Posts: 1994 |
what kind of car? |
| 10/26/07 10:05 PM | |
|
metrocksncn
Edited: 26-Oct-07 Member Since: 07/08/2005 Posts: 1167 |
1986 Pontiac Parisienne. V8 RWD |
| 10/26/07 10:12 PM | |
|
metrocksncn
Edited: 26-Oct-07 Member Since: 07/08/2005 Posts: 1168 |
oh yeah, I forgot. I have to replace a brake hose as well. |
| 10/27/07 12:24 AM | |
|
autotech
5
Edited: 27-Oct-07 Member Since: 03/27/2003 Posts: 1995 |
its not a bad job if you have air tools and a ball joint press.some parts stores will lend/rent you the press.the brake hose is not to hard either just be carefull not to brake the steel line leading in to it. |
| 10/27/07 8:55 PM | |
|
metrocksncn
Edited: 27-Oct-07 Member Since: 07/08/2005 Posts: 1174 |
Hey auto tech, I have another question for you. I also own a 1988 Mercury Cougar LS. V6. When I take my foot off of the accelerator to brake or stop, the whole car shakes rather violently. It feels like it is coming from underneath in the rear of the car. Accelerating from a stop is not a problem, only when I take my foot of of the accelerator. I am going to replace the u-joint on the driveshaft and see if that eliminates the problem, but most likely not. From there I was going to move on to the rear wheel bearings and see if replacing them eliminates the problem. I sure hope that the transmission is not the cause because I sure dont want to get into a transmission repair. Your expert opinion on this situation is greatly appreciated. |
| 10/27/07 9:16 PM | |
|
autotech
5
Edited: 27-Oct-07 Member Since: 03/27/2003 Posts: 1998 |
is the shake starting as soon as you let off the gas or is it starting as you step on the brake? the most common cause of a shake or pulsation is warped brake rotors.a bad u joint will shake more when you are on the gas.in order to check the u joints you can just drop the driveshaft and make sure the joints move freely. i would say from experience that you most likely have a brake rotor or drum that is out of round. you could try driving at a steady speed and apply the parking brake just a bit and see if it shakes if it does then you will know it is the rear brakes. |
| 10/27/07 10:17 PM | |
|
metrocksncn
Edited: 27-Oct-07 Member Since: 07/08/2005 Posts: 1175 |
the shake is starting as soon as I let off the gas pedal |
| 10/27/07 11:22 PM | |
|
autotech
5
Edited: 27-Oct-07 Member Since: 03/27/2003 Posts: 1999 |
then i would try shifting into neutral as i let off the gas if it is a transmission problem the shake should feel different or maybe even be gone.i am not saying you should do this,but it is something i do to help narrow stuff down. if you feel comfortable doing it then go somewhere that there is not alot of traffic and try it. |
| 10/30/07 4:06 PM | |
|
Ponyboy
8
Edited: 30-Oct-07 Member Since: 01/01/2001 Posts: 11609 |
This is a dangerous job since the huge springs on that car act on the lower control arms. You need to ensure the control arm has something to limit it's movement and that it isn't going to spring downward and crush your legs when it you separate the ball joint from the spindle. |
| 10/31/07 11:29 AM | |
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Ponyboy
8
Edited: 01-Nov-07 12:00 PM Member Since: 01/01/2001 Posts: 11613 |
This car does not have struts but a spring that acts on the lower control arm which is always pulling on the spindle. It will leave you wabaly and without teeth. |
| 11/3/07 9:45 AM | |
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Ponyboy
8
Edited: 03-Nov-07 Member Since: 01/01/2001 Posts: 11631 |
Consider yourself lucky that you like the cars that you do because they are a lot more logically laid out than the clusterfuck of brackets upon spacers upon brackets that are band-aid'd throughout 80s GM cars. Now if I can just find a clean fairmont wagon.... |
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