The ball joint can be replaced but you need to be sure of which control arm and knuckle you have to get the correct ball joint that will fit. There were iron, steel and aluminum arms and aluminum and iron knuckles. The factory part is crimped into place while most of the aftermarket parts now are pressed in with a snap ring or they use a large nut to secure them. They are not interchangeable. Now for the replacement you start by removing the tire, pull the caliper and the rotor off, then remove the nut on the joint and pop it with a pickle fork or press the end of it in the case of the aluminum arms. Next you use a chisel to cut the crimps off. This can be tricky as you need them off but don't damage the arm itself. Once the crimps are off use a press and cup to remove the old joint. Next you reverse the process to press in the new joint, install whatever retainer it comes with snap ring, nut or in the case of the iron units some have no retainer.
You should be able to do it without removing the half shaft. just be carful not to overextend the axle to avoid pulling the tri-pot joint apart.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-release-a-ball-joint
Don't use the hammer if it has aluminum arms or knuckle, they are easy to damage that way. on those you will want a pickle fork.
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Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021 AT 8:30 PM
