Problem Replacing Lower Ball Joint.

[lsrxlex]

Hi all,

I broke one of the 2 bolts when trying to separate LH lower ball joint from steering knuckle .

What should I do now? Do I have to buy a used steering knuckle from junk yard?

It's a 1990 LS400 with 403k miles.

Please help. Thanks.

[steve2006]

It would probably be the fastest and easiest way to get another hub but you could try drilling the remains of the bolt and using a stud extractor.

Also if you remove the hub a local engineering company may be able to help.

If this is your 1st lower BJ change at 403K thats amazing and I'm not surprised it snapped.

[lsrxlex]

Thanks for your prompt reply.

I'm trying to find the hub to replace (the fastest way like you suggested ) but I need some time off from work to go to some wreckers.

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks

[lsrxlex]

This is the second time I have to replace the lower ball joints.

[SRK]

You're going to be removing the knuckle in any event, so when you do take it to a good automotive machine shop. They'll get the snapped bolt out. They have means and skills not understood by most people. Don't waste time in a wrecking yard unless the machine shop fails.

And whatever you do don't attempt to remove the broken bolt yourself if you have no experience with that type of work. Easy-out brand removers are junk, penetrating oil is useless, drilling freehand destroys the adjacent material.

A pro will fix it easily and you'll get back on the road. Which is the goal of course.

[lsrxlex]

I bought a front left hub ($75) before your reply, sorry.

And during the Memorial holiday, I started to work on the problem. Luckily I found out that I didn't break any bolt head. I actually did crack the 4-inch2 extender of the ratchet thinking that's the bolt. Then I had to stop short because I needed the car for work the next day, with the plan for the wreckers trip later and buying replacement bolt too.

Now everything is OK. I will save the left hub for future ball bearing replacement if needed.

Thanks so much for your advice.

[SRK]

Thanks for the update. I'm glad everything is OK.