Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: downsmen on 25 November 2011, 19:55:40

Title: Lower ball joint
Post by: downsmen on 25 November 2011, 19:55:40

I heard a knocking today and have traced to the near side front ball joint :'(
My question is can the ball joint be replaced or does it need the whole wishbone.
I had a qoute from a local mechanic of £85 parts and labour, not sure what parts this would be for though.

Many thanks

Title: Re: Lower ball joint
Post by: RobG on 25 November 2011, 19:57:31

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAUXHALL-ASTRA-G-H-OMEGA-B-MERIVA-B-FRONT-BOTTOM-LOWER-CONTROL-ARM-BALL-JOINT-/250934746588?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a6ce05ddc

Title: Re: Lower ball joint
Post by: amba on 25 November 2011, 20:03:07

Lower ball joint can be replaced on its  own,although you really need to factor in the cost for alignment aswell :y

Title: Re: Lower ball joint
Post by: downsmen on 25 November 2011, 20:04:11

Cheers for that :y
Can this job be done easily yourself or is it a job for the Garage?

Title: Re: Lower ball joint
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 25 November 2011, 20:08:46

Are you sure it's not the anti roll bar droplink? This is the more common cause of knocking.
If changing a wishbone - you really need to change them in pairs, and as said, your alignment will need checking afterwards.
Look in the maintenance section, there is a very good write up by Mr Gixer :y

Title: Re: Lower ball joint
Post by: amba on 25 November 2011, 20:11:40

If the existing ball joint is part of the wishbone you will need to drill off the rivet tops to remove the existing plate.

Hopefully it will have been replaced before and been bolted on as per the kit shown by RobG.If so just undo the bolts,split the joint of the spigot and wheel hub with a splitter fork and refit.

Not a real issue and should be a fairly simple diy repair :y

Title: Re: Lower ball joint
Post by: downsmen on 25 November 2011, 20:14:14

Its definatley the ball joint i can move the hub side to side and back and front. :'(
It hasnt been replaced before :(
Can it be drilled out in place or does the wishbone need to come off the car?

Title: Re: Lower ball joint
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 25 November 2011, 20:20:45

I would urge you to check the condition of all wishbone bushes, before messing with just the balljoint... :y