Bottom ball joints

jonesie · Jun 2nd, 2016, 21:28

I found the cover of one of my bottom ball joints is starting to fail so I went my local motor factors for a replacement. He sold me a stand alone ball joint and said it attaches with a circlip.

I cant seem to see how the old one comes off and I don't want to start butchering it as a whole wishbone looks a lot. Im not sure what to do.

I have found a guide on here detailing that replacing the covers is the best option so I might take this back and get some of them.

Any advice guys?

phil_r · Jun 2nd, 2016, 21:48

Oddly enough I had one of those fitted by a previous owner to my car, it was moving around as you can see in the photo below. Mot tester said he could of welded it to stop the movement, however I just took the wishbone of my old car.

jonesie · Jun 2nd, 2016, 22:38

definitely not fitting that then. It coming loose is something I imagined happening. Especially is corrosion got to the circlip.

Taking it back tomorrow.

ITSv40 · Jun 2nd, 2016, 22:41

Take it back and get a refund. The last thing you should be doing is fitting a new complete ball joint to the old wishbone. They are pressed in originally and not a DIY job at all. You either need a new wishbone or a new rubber boot to fit your existing ball joint, depending on the nature of the problem.

I fitted new boots to mine sometime ago, a bit fiddly, but doable.

phil_r · Jun 3rd, 2016, 16:59

Have a look on this thread if you haven't seen it http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=206082.

I think I bought some boots from http://www.balljointboots.co.uk/ but can't find the email receipt to tell you which ones I bought.

If there's play in the ball joint when you take it off you had might as well replace the wishbone. Unless you know someone handy with a press and can get hold of the right press in ball joint with no circlips.

jonesie · Jun 5th, 2016, 12:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by ITSv40

Take it back and get a refund. The last thing you should be doing is fitting a new complete ball joint to the old wishbone. They are pressed in originally and not a DIY job at all. You either need a new wishbone or a new rubber boot to fit your existing ball joint, depending on the nature of the problem.

I fitted new boots to mine sometime ago, a bit fiddly, but doable.

certainly don't want to be trying to force it out myself then, which I did consider. A local garage can press them out apparently but I just don't trust it plus the wishbones are £95 each! simply isn't worth damaging them.

Thanks for advice guys I have now taken it back and ordered a kit of rubber boots with clips. I will fit a set and report back. I should even have some left to offer.

cbburtraw · Jun 6th, 2016, 22:19

I replaced a LBJ on mine a couple weeks ago no problem. I borrowed a press tool from the auto parts shop (the stores here will sell the kit to you and then refund you when you return it, pretty neat).

It's tough on your back to do without a bench or vise, and using a hydraulic press would be better, but since you already got a new ball joint, might as well replace the whole thing IMHO.

You've already gone through the trouble of removing the A arm, might as well finish the job.

Jun 2nd, 2016, 21:28	#1
jonesie Member Last Online: Aug 26th, 2016 10:22 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Prestatyn	Bottom ball joints I found the cover of one of my bottom ball joints is starting to fail so I went my local motor factors for a replacement. He sold me a stand alone ball joint and said it attaches with a circlip. I cant seem to see how the old one comes off and I don't want to start butchering it as a whole wishbone looks a lot. Im not sure what to do. I have found a guide on here detailing that replacing the covers is the best option so I might take this back and get some of them. Any advice guys?

Jun 2nd, 2016, 22:41	#4
ITSv40 VOC Member Last Online: Today 10:26 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Northampton	Take it back and get a refund. The last thing you should be doing is fitting a new complete ball joint to the old wishbone. They are pressed in originally and not a DIY job at all. You either need a new wishbone or a new rubber boot to fit your existing ball joint, depending on the nature of the problem. I fitted new boots to mine sometime ago, a bit fiddly, but doable. __________________ 2001 V40 2.0lt Sport Lux - Daily Driver. 178k miles. 2003 C70 2.4 GT Convertible - Garage Queen. 67k miles. http://www.neptuno6benagil.com

Jun 3rd, 2016, 16:59	#5
phil_r Senior Member Last Online: Jun 13th, 2024 17:46 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Malton	Have a look on this thread if you haven't seen it http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=206082. I think I bought some boots from http://www.balljointboots.co.uk/ but can't find the email receipt to tell you which ones I bought. If there's play in the ball joint when you take it off you had might as well replace the wishbone. Unless you know someone handy with a press and can get hold of the right press in ball joint with no circlips. __________________ 2002 V40 1.9D SE, 218k miles 2002 V40 1.9D S 200k miles, for spare parts and storing things in!

Jun 2nd, 2016, 22:38	#3
jonesie Member Last Online: Aug 26th, 2016 10:22 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Prestatyn	definitely not fitting that then. It coming loose is something I imagined happening. Especially is corrosion got to the circlip. Taking it back tomorrow.

Jun 6th, 2016, 22:19	#7
cbburtraw Junior Member Last Online: May 8th, 2024 02:03 Join Date: May 2016 Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan	I replaced a LBJ on mine a couple weeks ago no problem. I borrowed a press tool from the auto parts shop (the stores here will sell the kit to you and then refund you when you return it, pretty neat). It's tough on your back to do without a bench or vise, and using a hydraulic press would be better, but since you already got a new ball joint, might as well replace the whole thing IMHO. You've already gone through the trouble of removing the A arm, might as well finish the job.

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