Installing the UK Lower Ball Joints

[kings1527]

Ok everybody,

I attempted to press in a new lower ball joint and I proceeded to obliterate the rubber boot in the process along with messing up the retaining wire that holds the boot in place. I felt the piece was going in straight but I didn't jack up the lower control arm prior to pressing it in. I'm thinking I might've gone at a slight angle because of that. I also used some silicone spray to help facilitate it.

Aside from that, anything else I should know? I'm assuming that the boot stays on during installation but I might be wrong on that. Should it come off and then replaced once the joint is pressed in? That'd be embarrassing for me if that's the case.

Thanks for the help!

[DMCMW Dave]

Ok everybody,

I attempted to press in a new lower ball joint and I proceeded to obliterate the rubber boot in the process along with messing up the retaining wire that holds the boot in place. I felt the piece was going in straight but I didn't jack up the lower control arm prior to pressing it in. I'm thinking I might've gone at a slight angle because of that. I also used some silicone spray to help facilitate it.

Aside from that, anything else I should know? I'm assuming that the boot stays on during installation but I might be wrong on that. Should it come off and then replaced once the joint is pressed in? That'd be embarrassing for me if that's the case.

Thanks for the help!

Take the boot off. This job is easier with the arm off the car as you can support the face of the arm and use a press, and can then support the arm where the balljoint goes through. But it can, and is, done in place. If you are installing a reinforcing collar I believe you need to use a press, or a ball joint installation tool. You can't just beat it on.

[kings1527]

Take the boot off. This job is easier with the arm off the car as you can support the face of the arm and use a press, and can then support the arm where the balljoint goes through. But it can, and is, done in place. If you are installing a reinforcing collar I believe you need to use a press, or a ball joint installation tool. You can't just beat it on.

Excellent, Dave. Thank you very much for the help again!