Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[downsmen]

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

[RobG]

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

[amba]

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

[downsmen]

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

[JamesV6CDX]

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

[amba]

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

[downsmen]

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?

[JamesV6CDX]

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