any tips on ball joints and tie rod ends?

[ShinigamiJoe]

my friends car needs both ball joints and inner + outer tie rod ends, if i need any special tools or need to know anything special i would appreciate the advice =)

Topic

[dreamer2355]

This video by Eric will give you some more insight on tie rod replacements. You will need to go to an alignment shop right away though –

http://www.youtube.com/user/EricTheCarG … iayOVEk3gk

This other video is for ball joint replacement on a Honda Accord. Again, this will give you some idea of what is involved –

http://www.youtube.com/user/EricTheCarG … d5IcN3yjsg

Depending on the vehicle, you may need to press in and press out the ball joints. Most reputable parts stores will loan out a ball joint press for a refundable deposit.

However, theres is some manufacturers who weld there ball joints to the control arm so it may be cheaper to just replace the control arm with ball joint already attached.

[ytram]

Type of vehicle may help get you better help.
One tip.
Make sure steering wheel is centered straight forward before you begin. You also need to a way of measuring tie rod lengths to get a good rough alignment. I measure between inside rim at back and to front of inside rim. By doing this, I use a solid object such as a 1×2 furring strip, that is just short on length to go in between rims, and use measuring tape for one end only. Pay attention to how you can accurately place furring strip in exact repeated locations. Do not take loose untill you have done that first. Do one side at a time.
They will still need alignment, but should get in a ballpark area to get to the alignment shop.

[BigC]

+1 on ytram‘s post. A special tool for removal of the inner tie-rod can also make this job a lot easier. Good luck and keep us posted.

[EricTheCarGuy]

Dreamer pretty much covered it with those video links, remember hit what it goes through and you should be fine. As mentioned if you are going to replace tie rod ends you WILL need an alignment when done.

[ShinigamiJoe]

thanks guys and it is a 98 oldsmobile cutlass with a 3.1 V6

[EricTheCarGuy]

Like in the videos posted the rule is to ‘hit what it goes through’ to get things broken apart but also as suggested after you finish the work you should have it aligned to protect your tires. Here’s the link that might help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zd5IcN3yjsg

[Bad_dude]

Hey,
If you have a Harbor Freight near, I have some links below for you. I have replaced all of the boots on my ball joints, upper, tie rods. I did not do it for the lowers as they look fat and new. I periodically squeeze them to see if it’s torn or grease come out of a tear that I cannot see.
I used the pitman puller and it takes the joints off in a few seconds.

http://www.harborfreight.com/tie-rod-an … -1752.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarte … 99849.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/inner-tie- … 96558.html

Hey Eric,
When ever possible, could you do videos on how to replace upper arm bushings and rear control arm boots and bushings change?
I like to do preventive maintenance rather than replacing parts.
Thanks.

[Author]

Replies