Go back to home

AW11 Front Ball Joint Replacement

Author
mikel1966
MR2 Aficionado
  • Total Posts : 20
  • Scores: 11
  • Reward points: 4343
  • Joined: 2011/04/07 19:51:15
  • Location: Brisbane Queensland Australia
  • Status: offline
2016/09/11 16:20:53 (permalink)
0

AW11 Front Ball Joint Replacement

Recently one of my front Ball Joints failed and the passenger side wheel would dig in when cornering. You may have seen my Facebook post on the problem. Not being familiar with how steering, suspension and generally everything behind the wheels work, I had to research, get advice and wing it. So I thought I'd document what I did in case there are other with my level of knowledge with the same issue.
 
I sourced the replacement Ball Joints from Fulcrum Suspension in Capalaba (Great guys to deal with, I recommend them)
 
Once my Adub was safely jacked up, I removed the 2 side bolts (from underneath) that hold the Ball Joint to the main wheel assembly. Then I removed the split pin and center nut from the Ball Joint that hold it to the lower assembly. 
 
Side view with central nut loosened (Side nuts already removed)

 
From above showing the 2 sections of the suspension separated

 
At this point I found it impossible to remove the old Ball Joint without the right tool.
I got this one from Supercheap for $38, it worked a treat.
 

 
After tightening it as much as possible the old Ball Joint was still in place but while I was sitting back
wondering 'what now', it released and went off like a shotgun.
 

 
Now this is the part that gave me some minor issue that can be avoided if you do things in a certain order
After cleaning the area and blasting it with WD40, sit the new unit in the bottom section but do not tighten or even press on it, leave it loose. Now align the top and bottom sections and refit the two side bolts. As you tighten these everything will pull back into alignment.
 
View looking straight down as side bolts are tightened

 
Once side bolts are fully locked in place fit the nut to the centre shaft and tighten like you never tightened before. When you think its done, keep going until the split pin hole is aligned with the nut notches and refit and split the new split pin.
 

 
Now put your wheel back on and take it for a careful test drive.
 
Hope this is useful for someone and if anyone has any corrections or further input, please let me know.
#1


0 Replies Related Threads

    Jump to:
    © 2025 APG vNext Trial Version 5.5