It it hard to change the ball joints yourself?

Hi, loosen the ball joint nut but do not take it off all the way, leave it on so it covers the top half of the thread, now get yourself a decent ball head hammer and wack it below the ball joint nut where the ball joint sits, do not be shy, WACK it, after half a dozen wacks it should pop out, you may need to stick a long bar to put some pressure on the ball joint release side, usually downwards, this does not need to be a lot of pressure. I am sure you will get one of our experts saying to use a fork, splitter or some sort of separator, which is what mechanics use, these devices often damage the ball joint boot and your average guy does not have specialist tools, which is what it is, let me know if i can help any more.

Hello fes60617: My name is Roger and I will help you. Other then original equipment the most recognized name for replacement parts is MOOG. Has an extremely great warranty.THe lower control arm comes complete with the lower ball joint installed all ready. Make sure to have the alignment on the van reset. This will change dramatically when you replace the parts. Should you need further help please just ask. Please rate the answer. Thank You for using Fix YA. Roger

Hi:
Most Ball joints have an internal or external snap ring, that must be removed, and then the entire ball joint is pressed in place.
the threaded part does not come out of the joint.
If you are serious about changing them yourself, most auto parts stores, such as Autozone, have a loan a tool program, and have the tools you need to remove the ball joint from your car!

If you don't unload the coil springs correctly you can kill yourself or hurt yourself very bad.If you have never done this before you will need someone to show you how to do it correctly because it has the potential to be deadly.The ball joints are easy to change if they are bolt on but getting to them is the hard part.So be very careful!!!!!!!!!!

I believe these ball joints need to be pressed by a machine if you want to this yourself its going to be really hard so just take it off the part and take it to a shop they should press it for cheap.

a ball joint kit of four usually run around $500 - $600. plus $350- 500 for labor. You should try it yourself its not to hard

The ball joints are going to be hard to due if you due not have an arbor press in your garage. They are not the kind that you can replace by yourself unforuantely without a press to press them back into the control arm. If you know a good cheap mechanic this would be a good route becuase a shop is going to charge you an arm and a leg to press these ball joints back in for you.

Very simple...I don't have my Chilton's in front of me but I can tell you the easiest way to know is to look UNDER the ball joint. If you don't see screws or rivits....it is pressed in. Looking at replacement parts....it is pressed.

You can replace it yourself if you have a ball joint press...or, take it to NAPA or similar store that presses joints....but you have to remove the lower control arm and take it in. That can be the cheapest route also.....saves A LOT from labor from the garage mechanics!!!!!

Don't forget to rate please!!!!

The only parts you need are the ball joints, upper and lower, a total of 4, if you need all 4. As far as tools, you'll need wrenches, a removal and installer tool, the ball joints are pressed into the control arms, and a ball joint to steering knuckle seperator tool.Without those special tools, you will never get them changed, if you do it yourself.

upper ball joints are really easy, but you can't buy them without the a-arm, I just did one if the a-arm bushings are ok, just change out the ball joint and bracket, lower ball joint is harder, but I will help you if you need it