ball joint replacement - HR front

[Dave_EH]

Hi,

Is there a a way to test for worn balljoints when they don't obviously need replacing?

My HR front has been on the car approximately 20 years, although approx. milage or age of joints is unknown.

I plan to fit new springs - should I replace ball joints at the same time?

I wouldn't feel comforatble leaving this decision to a suspension shop whom I have not used before - which will be the case.

Any recommendations?

Dave

[Glenn 'Stinky' Stankevicius]

For peace-of-mind I'd be changing them.
A pretty simple job with a few tools and an angle grinder. The old ones will probably be rivetted in, the new will have nuts and bolts to attach.
If you don't change them, you will always be wondering.

[mcl1959]

The basic test for ball joints as follows;
Jack front wheels about 6 inches off the ground
Place a long (about 1.5 m) bar or pice of 2x4 under the wheel
Have someone lie at the front of the vehicle where they can clearly see the ball joints
Lift the bar quickly and lower quickly - replicating the car going over a bump.  Make sure you give the suspension a good jolt.
If the person watching can see ANY vertical movement of the ball joint, then it is no good.

Another way is to remove the stub axle from the ball joint & feel how the ball joint moves back & forth.
If there is friction against all movement then it is good, if it has a "floaty" feel it is no good.

Easy way to remove ball joints - undo the ball joint nut and thump the side of the stub axle with a heavy hammer right next to the taper.  

Ken

[Dave_EH]

Thanks Ken and stinky.

I've bought a new set of balljoints for $100 with a voucher through repco - can't go wrong with that.

Cheers
Dave