what is best way to remove lower ball joints ?

[yaris4062007]

I am having hard time removing the lower ball joint. thank you...

[CTScott]

The tapered fork tools work well for stuck ones.

Autozone even lets you "borrow" those kind of tools. You have to let them ding your credit card, but they refund you when you return them.

[yaris4062007]

thank you, is it safe not to damage ball joint, i tried hammering it and using the long extension bar failed :( . my other side was pretty easy but driverside giving me hard time haha .

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by yaris4062007

thank you, is it safe not to damage ball joint, i tried hammering it and using the long extension bar failed :( . my other side was pretty easy but driverside giving me hard time haha .

I had to use one on my Celica (which I don't think had been disassembled since it was built in 92) and it came apart without a problem and without damaging the rubber grease boot. For crazy stuck ones there is another tool that presses down on the bolt, but there are different sizes of those, whereas the fork tool is pretty universal.

[yaris4062007]

Thank you, I will rent one from auto zone!! :)when removing the ball joint should i remove the two camber bolt then try to remove ball joint.

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by yaris4062007

Thank you, I will rent one from auto zone!! :)when removing the ball joint should i remove the two camber bolt then try to remove ball joint.

I would at least loosen them to take some of the load off of the ball joint.

[B2FiNiTY]

I usually stay away from the forks as they rip your boots if you don't do it right. But if you have no other choice, then it will work for you.

I prefer these kinds:

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-qua...tor-99849.html

[yaris4062007]

my ball joint boot ripped little bit after using forks and still didnt even work.. I had to use harborfreight tool get it removed, how long will it last without changing the ball joint??

[Absolutely Red 12]

Originally Posted by yaris4062007

I am having hard time removing the lower ball joint. thank you...

Leave the nut on loose.
Smack the area of the knuckle that is around the ball joint stud, with a hammer.
Should be fine with one hit.

[Absolutely Red 12]

Originally Posted by yaris4062007

my ball joint boot ripped little bit after using forks and still didnt even work.. I had to use harborfreight tool get it removed, how long will it last without changing the ball joint??

Not long!!

An aftermarket arm with joints go for $60 a side, best to replace.

[yaris4062007]

How hard is it to install new control arm? Or should i just replace the ball joint only!! Where can i buy control arm for $60? Thanx

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by yaris4062007

How hard is it to install new control arm? Or should i just replace the ball joint only!! Where can i buy control arm for $60? Thanx

You can go either route. The lower ball joints are about $11.

[esse10]

Control arms replacement are not that difficult I've done them before in other front wheel drive vehicles except not the yaris, yet. It's mostly two or three big bolts to disconnect from subframe & disconnect the ball joint from the steering knuckle and your done. Just remember to replace those bolts cause they are usually one time use stretchable type. Torque the new bolts with the control arm parrallel to the ground as if the car was in it's normal driving state. Good luck man

[yaris4062007]

I just ordered ball joint today for $32.00 plus rented ball joint presser $100 deposit from autozone. Do I need to remove control arm from the car ?? Thank you everyone!!! :) learning new stuff haha :)

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by yaris4062007

I just ordered ball joint today for $32.00 plus rented ball joint presser $100 deposit from autozone. Do I need to remove control arm from the car ?? Thank you everyone!!! :) learning new stuff haha :)

No. You can press it out (and the new one in) with the control arm still mounted.

[yaris4062007]

Do i need to remove c-clip and rubber first to remove stock ball joint?

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by yaris4062007

Do i need to remove c-clip and rubber first to remove stock ball joint?

Just the C-clip, then you press it out.

[yaris4062007]

Thank you ct :)