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Which parts of your vehicle are responsible for its suspension system?
There are two parts indeed. One is Shock absorbers and the other one is the ball joints. As the name suggests, the Shock absorbers consume the bumps in the street. And once they get worn, your vehicle will bounce extremely.
Again, the ball joints help your vehicle to be driven in a straight line. Once the ball joints are getting worn out, your vehicle will wander at the time of driving and it may fail to control. What’s more, worn ball joints might result in unfair wear on your tires. In this case, you are to replace the ball joints. To help you learn how to use a ball joint press, I made this detailed guide for you.
Let’s see how to do it.
Essential Tools Needed To Use A Ball Joint Press
In the beginning, you need to get the below equipment to prepare yourself for this piece of work:
Steps to Start the Operation of Pressing a Ball Joint
Step 1: At first, bring your car in the parking lot on a flat ground and free area as you can do your job simpler. Take a car jack and lift up the front end of your car. Check your toolbox, whether there is a car ramp or not. A car ramp will help you to effortlessly access the ball joint.
Step 2: Put off the front wheels of your car. Then, remove the brake caliper.
Step 3: Take the C-clamp. Indeed, the C-clamp is a great tool for pressing the ball joint. There is a hole at the underside, this part lets you press in and out the ball joint while there is a deficiency of tickling the stud.
Step 4: Then, slide off the rotor. After that, take on the tie-rod end and the lower strut bolts, and pull off them. Thus, you will be able to move the steering knuckle comfortably.
Step 5: Take out the upper control arm. In doing so, you have to detach the cotter pin that maintains it in the spot. In this way, you are set to discard the ball joint wielding the ball joint press.
Step 6: In this step, you are to keep the ball joint press over the ball joint on the control arm. Also, place the long threaded shaft properly.
Step 7: There is a deep cup of the ball joint press. The deep cup is built so that it can comprise the ball joint. Put it over the top of the ball joint.
Step 8: Screw up the threaded shaft on the ball joint press. This can be done simply by a ratchet and socket. In such a way, it will hit the ball joint out of the control arm. You’re now ready to put in the new ball joint.
Step 9: Set up the deep cup of the ball joint press on the fresh ball joint.
Step 10: Get ready to tighten the new ball joint. Check your kit, take an extension as you can reach the end of the ball joint without touching the inside. Accordingly, the placement of the clamp should get overturned from the ahead settings. Roll the clamp as far as the new ball joint is in the perfect place to stay. Insert the split ring, pull down on both sides. Hurrah! Here you go!
Symptoms of a Failing Ball Joint
How can you recognize that you have to wipe out the old ball joint and replace it with a fresh ball joint? Then, come and read it. Here are the signs that you should check in the ball joint:
Thumping Noise: If you heed a noise arising from the front suspension, then keep in mind that there is something wrong in the ball joint. After a time span, ball joints might be loosened from their initial place. And so, there you will hear a clunking noise. Then, notice the sound and proceed to change the ball joint.
Too Much Vibration: While driving your car, you will recognize that the car is vibrating much more than the normal situation. If you find such kind of occurrence, take this as an indication of your ball joint that requires a change. Check from where the vibration is coming. This is another way to recognize the problem.
Rough Tire Wear: It is obvious that you should check the condition of the tires. When you can find any irregular signs of wear, then this may be another reason to take the ball joint to change.
Types of Ball Joints
There are several types of ball joints. As you want to change the ball joints of your vehicle, you have to understand which ball joint is favorable as per your requirements. The main two types are as follows:
Load-Carrying Ball Joint: Load-Carrying Ball Joint holds up the weight of your car. This type of ball joint offers nice spring support. And thus, the ball joint will be able to control the arm.
Non-Load Carrying Ball Joint: As per the name, this type does not carry the weight. It is also recognized as a follower ball joint. Non-Load Carrying Ball Joint wears slower than the previous type.
How to take enough care and maintenance of Ball Joints?
It is said that you should be proactive in maintaining the ball joints of your vehicle. If you want long-lasting support, then you should take some preventive actions. Let’s take a look at how to properly maintain the ball joints.
- Ensure that the chassis is oiled appropriately. In this way, you can enable it to minimize friction.
- Clean the under-part of your car. It is because, while you drive your car in the road, sludge and dirt may be glued underneath as well as the specks of dirt will get into the ball joints. So, be careful about this case.
Let’s Wrap Up!
Thanks for reaching this far of the article. Hope you got it handy on your qurey- How To Use A Ball Joint Press.
Still, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us below.
