Procedure to replace lower ball joints and sway bar links and torque specification for all the front end components
I want procedure to replace lower ball joint and sway bar links and torque specification for all the front end components
My car has an automatic transmission.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. To replace the ball joints you would need to jack up the vehicle and put it on jack stands. Remove the tires, calipers, and brake rotors. Then put a jack under the lower control arm and remove the cotter pin and nut from the lower ball joint. Lower down the jack some and hit the control arm with a dead blow hammer and the lower control arm should come off the wheel knuckle. Then remove the bolt that holds the spring strut on the lower control arm. This will make the control arm free. Then remove the bolts that hold the control arm to the vehicle’s frame. Then remove the jack and remove the lower control arm. Then you can pop out the ball joint and pop the new one in. Install the lower control arm and put the bolts in the frame and tighten them up to spec. Then put the bolt in the spring and hook it into the control arm and tighten up the bolt to spec. Jack up the lower control arm and allow the ball joint to fit into the wheel knuckle. Tighten the nut down to spec and put in a new cotter pin. Put on the rotor, caliper, and wheel. Torque the lug nuts to spec. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Click Here for the Vehicle Specs. If you need further assistance with replacing the lower control arm ball joints, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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Many ball joints may have an initial torque spec as low as 15-30 ft./lbs. and torque angles are between 140º and 225º. Never guess or try to use your calibrated elbow. Always look up the spec and use a torque wrench.
When replacing a ball joint, the stud nut must be torqued to the proper specification. Being too loose or over-torqued can lead to stud breakage and damage to the steering knuckle. Also, If the nut is too loose, it can cause the same symptoms as a failed ball joint, which may lead to unnecessary replacement.
DETERMINING TORQUE
The general equation for bolt load based on applied torque is T = KFiDb where K = torque coefficient.
A joint torque is the sum of passive and active torques. Passive torques are produced by tension developed as muscle tissue, tendons and ligaments are stretched. Passive torque-angle relationships have previously been modeled using exponential equations (Yoon and Mansour 1982; Hoang et al.
The inner part of the tie rod (differential-to-drive axle flange nut) is torqued between 40 to 47 foot pounds. The outer part of the tie rod (tie rod end nut) is torqued between 31 to 42 foot pounds.
When installing MOOG ball joints and tie rods, it is important to avoid overtightening. The best way to avoid overtightening is to use the right tool for the job. Many technicians use an impact gun, which not only overtightens the part but can also cause premature wear and damage to the steering knuckle.
Steering — Worn ball joints can affect your vehicle`s steering, usually making the steering sloppy or stiff depending on how the ball joint is wearing.
Failure to properly align the ball joint in the control arm during installation could result in loss of vehicle control due to ball joint failure.
Grasp the top and bottom of the tyre and rock it in and out along the wheel`s vehicle axis. If the ball joints are working well, there should be little to no play in this movement. Noise and play from the top – this indicates a problem with the upper ball joint.
It is normally between 110 N⋅m and 120 N⋅m. If you change the rims on your car, you will find the new torque values in the rim certificate.
Torque the ball joint nuts to 40 Nm (30 Ft-lbs), then rotate the nuts with a breaker bar an additional 45 degrees.
When installing MOOG ball joints and tie rods, it is important to avoid overtightening. The best way to avoid overtightening is to use the right tool for the job. Many technicians use an impact gun, which not only overtightens the part but can also cause premature wear and damage to the steering knuckle.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Procedure to replace lower ball joints and sway bar links and torque specification for all the front end components
ANSWER : Hi there. To replace the ball joints you would need to jack up the vehicle and put it on jack stands. Remove the tires, calipers, and brake rotors. Then put a jack under the lower control arm and remove the cotter pin and nut from the lower ball joint. Lower down the jack some and hit the control arm with a dead blow hammer and the lower control arm should come off the wheel knuckle. Then remove the bolt that holds the spring strut on the lower control arm. This will make the control arm free. Then remove the bolts that hold the control arm to the vehicle’s frame. Then remove the jack and remove the lower control arm. Then you can pop out the ball joint and pop the new one in. Install the lower control arm and put the bolts in the frame and tighten them up to spec. Then put the bolt in the spring and hook it into the control arm and tighten up the bolt to spec. Jack up the lower control arm and allow the ball joint to fit into the wheel knuckle. Tighten the nut down to spec and put in a new cotter pin. Put on the rotor, caliper, and wheel. Torque the lug nuts to spec. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Click Here for the Vehicle Specs. If you need further assistance with replacing the lower control arm ball joints, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
When replacing ball joints can you just replace the ball joints or do you need to just replace the control arm?
ANSWER : Suspension components on modern vehicles are not as heavy as they used to be. Components like control arms can be lighter and thinner. Ball joints are riveted or pressed into control arms. Sometimes bolted/screwed. Since replacing a ball joint will usually involve removing the control arm from the vehicle to either press or drill rivets out – which is more labor intensive, it can be a time and money saver labor wise to simply replace the entire control arm.
You are removing the old control arm and replacing it with a new one, complete with new ball joint and control arm bushings. Even if the control arm bushings are in good shape at the time the ball joint is replaced, they will eventually require replacement. You then have parts and labor involved again to remove the control arm, replace the bushings, then reinstall it on the vehicle.
Sometimes the ball joint replacement can be more cost effective in the long run, to simply replace the entire control arm. If you’d like to have this done, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can come to your home or office to service your ball joints.
Hatchback needs sway bar replaced
ANSWER : Hello. There is only one front sway bar on the vehicle. The sway bar is connected on both ends with link pins. There are two of those so that may be what he is talking about. They should always be replaced in pairs so you may be hearing the old one making noise. I would have it replaced also if that is what is recommended.
When replacing ball joints can you just replace the ball joints or do you have to replace the whole control arm?
ANSWER : The ball joint on this vehicle can be replaced separately from the lower control arm. However, on this vehicle it is also a known problem where the ball joint becomes loose inside the mounting in the lower control arm and will not hold tight any longer. This will require the entire lower control arm to be replaced. [https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/control-arm-assembly-replacement]
In order to know if just the ball joint or the whole complete lower control arm needs replaced, the lower ball joint will need to be disconnected from the steering knuckle and checked to see if it fits tight in the lower control arm. If it is loose, then replace control arm. If it fits tight then you will need to remove the ball joint from control arm and see if a new ball joint will fit tight in the control arm or control arm still will need to be replaced. This is why you were advised to replace the whole control arm.
I need to remove torsion bar from lower control arm.
ANSWER : Be very careful messing with the torsion bar. It is under an extreme amount of force. Make sure you have all of the tension removed from the torsion bar by loosening the adjustment bolt. Count the number of turns you loosen it so that you can put it back the way it was. If you are still having problems, a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, will be able to complete the control arm repair for you.
Sway bar broke on my car after having ball joints replaced
ANSWER : It sounds like you had a ball joint failure. When the ball joints fail, it causes the suspension arm to fall lower and this can cause the sway bar end links to break. As vehicles age, the ball joints can develop side-to-side or up-and-down play. This causes them to fail and could be considered a pre-existing condition.
The ball joints also have boots which keep the dirt out and the grease in. When the boot is torn, dirt can enter the ball joint and cause it to fail prematurely. If the ball joints have failed, this is a cause for concern and the vehicle should not be driven until the fault is resolved. If you would like to have this diagnosed further, a technician from YourMechanic can come to your home or office to inspect your suspension. If necessary, they can replace your car’s ball joints or make any other repairs that are necessary.
Why is my expedition swaying under intial braking
ANSWER : It sounds more like you are having problems with one of the lower or upper control arm bushings allowing the wheel to shift to the rear when braking. If it is pulling more right, then the problem is in the right front or right rear. Check the bushings on the right front wheel as this is going to be the most likely wheel causing the problem. With the vehicle parked, you may be able to roll the wheel forward and backward to see the loose control arm bushings. If the problem persists and you want to have this verified, a technician from YourMechanic can take a inspect your steering, brakes, and suspension to pinpoint the faulty component and make the correct repair.
Replaced sway bar links and bushings. Still making a clunking sound. Sway bar feels loose when pulled on and can hear the sound.
ANSWER : You should not be able to physically manipulate the sway bar. If you are able to do so, there is something wrong with the bar, the links, bushings, the attachment to the frame or other suspension components. Whatever the fault is, it should be fairly obvious on inspection. To speculate, it is possible that "aftermarket" parts have been used, ones that just simply don’t fit. Please feel free to schedule a sway bar inspection/diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you promptly and professionally. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
