lexusonthelake Posted February 18, 2004 Share Posted February 18, 2004 On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the most difficult, for an amateur DIY, how difficult would you say it is to replace a front drivers side lower ball joint? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UCF3 Posted February 18, 2004 Share Posted February 18, 2004 On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the most difficult, for an amateur DIY, how difficult would you say it is to replace a front drivers side lower ball joint? I'd rate it a 3. For an amature, without the proper tools, very hard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99lsguy Posted February 18, 2004 Share Posted February 18, 2004 There was a thread about this within a month ago. And some pics in the gallery. If you have the SST from Autozone, and a semi knowledgable mechanic friend - you can pull it off. I agree - it's about a 3 rating - challenging! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexusonthelake Posted February 18, 2004 Author Share Posted February 18, 2004 I have most tools but haven't done a ball joint before. In a nutshell, what's involved? Thanks UCF3 for the response. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tansupplyman Posted February 18, 2004 Share Posted February 18, 2004 the thread?: Lower Ball Joint Replacement (Pages 1 2 ) Lexus LS400 / Lexus LS430 Forums mejojo 15 428 Jan 19 2004, 10:02 PM Last Post by: mejojo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99lsguy Posted February 18, 2004 Share Posted February 18, 2004 Remove wheel. Remove caliper. Disconnect ABS speed sensor and wire harness Dissconnect Tie Rod End from lower ball joint - use SST Disconnect Lower Ball Joint from Lower suspension arm - use SST Remove Lower Ball Joint from steering knuckle Reverse for install Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UCF3 Posted February 18, 2004 Share Posted February 18, 2004 I have most tools but haven't done a ball joint before. In a nutshell, what's involved? Thanks UCF3 for the response. You'll need a couple of Jacks to hold the rear differential up. It's a pain to do if you don't have a lift, but if you have access. Don't forget you'll need a compressor and all the tools with it, otherwise it will be a weekend job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jzz30 Posted February 18, 2004 Share Posted February 18, 2004 whats with the jack for the diff.? isnt it just the front. all you need is a ball joint puller and normal tools. the ball joint is a separted piece thats bolted on to the arm with 2 bolts so go and buy a good ball joint puller or rent one. if you want to see one go to workshop tutorials and go to the second page of "rear trailing arm bushings replaced" the second picture is the puller. i forgot if i used that one or another you can see in "lower arm replacement" first picture i believe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chubyball Posted February 18, 2004 Share Posted February 18, 2004 jzz30, Does it need an alignment afterward? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jzz30 Posted February 20, 2004 Share Posted February 20, 2004 nope ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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