How to change a ball joint

How to replace a ball joint with your own hands

It is known that replacing a ball joint is currently a very popular topic that almost all motorists are interested in. In fact, this is a common occurrence, but for many drivers it is unacceptable.

Some perform this operation independently and quickly enough, although they do not have extensive knowledge in the automotive field.

Why is replacing a ball joint a headache for some, while for others the procedure is not at all difficult? Let's try to figure it out.

Replacement of ball joints is carried out on a lift with a special puller. Be sure to arm yourself with the necessary tools, including wrenches 22 and 13. When installing new ball joints, be sure to lubricate them and the boots with nigrol.

It is well said: it is better to see once than to hear a hundred times. So it is here. If a motorist once sees how a ball joint is replaced, he can easily perform all these steps on his own. But you also need to know some secrets and nuances of replacement, which will be discussed in our article.

The ball joint is a suspension element that everyone has heard about, but only a few know where it is located and is it even needed? Of course, this knowledge gap is quickly filled when problems arise with this vehicle's running gear.

The ball joint is such an important part that without it the car will not be able to move. Without it, any car is a pile of motionless metal.

Look at her. This is what it looks like in cross section:

It looks like just a metal finger with a ball on one end and a thread on the other. But this part ensures the driving performance of the car. The ball itself in the picture is visible in cross-section; in fact, it is in a closed housing.

Inside the body there is a special polymer composition in which the ball is able to move in different planes. Since its movement occurs due to the polymer filling, it turns out to be “backlash-free” and, as a rule, does not require regular lubrication on some car models.

A special rubber boot prevents dirt and moisture from entering the space where the ball is located.

Now let's look at the other end of the metal rod. There is a thread here that allows you to attach the ball joint to other suspension parts. It is attached to the lever, thus ensuring the mobility of the two suspension elements due to the movement of the ball.

Also, the ball joint allows you to keep the car wheel in a horizontal position even when it moves vertically when it turns.

The operating principle of the ball joint is based on the rotation and swinging of a cone-shaped pin at small angles. And if this part of the car is subject to significant loads, then it fails. For example, the driver determines a defect in this element when the “knock” of the ball joint is clearly heard, which occurs due to an increase in the gap between the tip and the body.

The video shows an example of replacing ball joints:

To avoid rapid wear of the ball joint, you need to drive correctly. So, it is not recommended to drive quickly over uneven surfaces. It is also necessary to regularly inspect the ball joint boot. After all, if it is torn, it means that soon the service life of the ball joint itself will end, because dirt accelerates the wear process. In such cases, it is enough to simply replace the boot.

You can easily evaluate the performance of the ball as follows: drive onto an overpass and check for play. First, the boot is inspected, which is unlikely to remain intact when the ball joint fails.

You should remember its importance for the car, because it connects the steering knuckle with another suspension arm. And, if the ball joint fails, this connection is broken, and the steering knuckle functions separately, and driving the car becomes impossible.

The first symptom of part wear is the wheel turning outward. This is what it looks like:

It is clear that if the ball joint fails while the car is moving, it threatens a terrible accident, especially if this happens at high speed. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully inspect the unit yourself or use the services of professionals.

Replacement

As mentioned above, the replacement process is not that complicated. You can easily replace the ball joint yourself. You need to start with the following steps:

we lift the car so that the desired wheel can be suspended (the operation is carried out using a jack and a support);
remove the wheel;
take a 22mm wrench and unscrew the nut of the upper ball joint pin.

Let's move on, but now we need a special ball joint remover:

With its help you need to press out the ball joint pin. But if it is not possible to find such a puller, you can also use the “old-fashioned” method. But this is a very difficult process and also takes a lot of time. This method involves striking the steering knuckle eye strongly with a hammer while simultaneously pressing the upper arm with a pry bar.

We continue dismantling the ball:

unscrew the three nuts and bolts that secure the ball joint (for this we use two 13mm wrenches);
we find the pressure plate, which is sometimes located on top of the boot (this is what it looks like);

It must be remembered that it will not be possible to unscrew the self-locking nut of the ball joint pin completely in the usual way. It rests against the steering knuckle lever. Therefore, you should do this in two steps. First you need to unscrew it with a 22 key, and then install the puller and press out the pin. After this, you can completely unscrew the nut by lifting the steering knuckle.

We continue the replacement process:

we find the nuts that secure the ball to the lower arm (the support is attached in this case without a pressure plate);
unscrew them with keys 13;
remove the ball joint.

Before replacing it with a new part, it is necessary to lubricate it. You can additionally drop a little nigrol inside the new ball joint. It is also recommended to lubricate the anthers. Although you should not completely fill the boot with oil. This may damage the rubber.

The video shows the replacement of Renault Logan ball joints:

The process of installing a new ball joint is carried out in reverse order. It is also necessary to remember that the ball joint pin rotates during the tightening process. To avoid this, support the support with a pry bar.

Which ball joints to choose

Let's look at the best types of ball joints sold in stores today. As a rule, their largest share in Russia is occupied by manufacturers CJSC Trek, LLC Belebeevsky Plant Avtokomplekt and others. These enterprises mainly produce spare parts and ball joints for VAZ. Although the owners of Chevrolet Niva and other cars also use parts from these manufacturers.

Other manufacturers include Lemforder, HI-DRIVE, and Sachs. For example, for Honda, ball joints of its own production are considered the most suitable. Only they have a significant disadvantage. They are not cheap, their price can reach up to $200 per support.

And therefore, in order to save money, owners often choose parts from other manufacturers. In particular, these are balls 555, CTR, Febest, Masuma, which offer their products at a price two or even three times cheaper than the original ones.

In this case, each choice is made independently.

But you also need to remember that none of the above manufacturers will produce ball joints that can be compared in quality to their originals. This is the reason they are so cheap. Therefore, when replacing, you should, if possible, install high-quality balls so that you do not have to change them regularly.

In particular, the ball joint from Honda has an unambiguous service life, which is comparable to the service life of the boot. It is about 80 thousand km. There were also examples of ball ones that in practice lasted even longer - 150 thousand kilometers. So decide for yourself whether to replace the ball joints with original parts or not.

We got the opinion of experts on this matter. And this is what they told us. It turns out that installing duplicate ball joints instead of the lower standard bearings is not recommended at all. This leads in many cases to rapid wear. Most often, duplicates “die” without even showing any signs, thereby eliminating the possibility of timely replacement.

As for the upper ball joints, duplicates can be installed here. This will not lead to dire consequences, as experts say, since the design of many car suspensions is designed in such a way that this part does not bear a large load.

The video shows how to replace a ball joint on a VAZ 2108–2115:

In conclusion, I would like to note that the replacement of ball joints must be carried out competently. But if you are unsure of your abilities, then you don’t have to immediately go to a car service center. You can use the help of a friend or acquaintance who knows more about this than you. And as they say, one head is good, but two are better.

We hope that this article will help you replace the ball joint yourself, which is not so difficult, as it turned out from the article. Good luck!

Source: http://365cars.ru/remont/zamena-sharovoj-opory.html

How to replace ball joints on a Renault Logan, how to change it on video, tips for diagnosing and carrying out work

If a Renault Logan ball joint malfunctions, there are several options for troubleshooting. You can, as the manufacturer recommends, replace the entire front lower suspension arm assembly. From a security point of view, this is the best option, but not the cheapest. It is cheaper to replace the ball joint separately, but in this case there are several nuances when replacing.

Ball mechanism for Renault Logan: what and how

The ball joint is an important component of the chassis of almost any modern car. Logan's is non-separable, maintenance-free and is officially supplied only with a lever. It consists of a ball pin, which is pressed into a metal body along with a plastic bushing.

Designed to connect the steering wheel hub to the main front suspension arm. If you “run” this unit to a critical state, then the front wheel may spontaneously turn to the side, separately from the other. This situation is dangerous, especially at speeds over 30 km/h.

General view of the front suspension structure: 1 — suspension subframe; 2 — suspension arm with silent blocks and ball joint; 3 — steering knuckle with hub and bearing; 4 — shock-absorbing strut; 5 — anti-roll bar

Diagnostics of supports: repair or replace?

No one can say exactly how long the ball joints on Logan last. The main signs of a faulty ball joint in a Renault Logan are knocking and creaking. If you hear unusual sounds when turning the steering wheel, you should check the suspension.

Knocking on uneven surfaces also indicates a breakdown. But if the suspension “rattles” on a bad road, then do not rush to buy a new ball joint. Be sure to check the stabilizer struts, which fail more often, but knock no less.

For a more accurate “diagnosis” it is necessary to check the absence of play in the ball joint. This is done on a lift or simply by removing the front wheel. Next, you need to place a pry bar between the steering knuckle and the chassis lever and try to unclench them. With a properly functioning suspension, you won't be able to do this. If there is free movement, then the life of the part has been exhausted and replacement is required.

A sure sign of a quick repair is a torn protective boot on the ball joint. If dirt or water gets inside the housing, the part will not last more than 2–3 thousand kilometers.

The boot is not sold as a separate part.

What preparatory work needs to be done

If you decide to change the ball joint separately, then in addition to the spare part itself, you will need additional tools. Since you will have to press the old ball out of the lever with your own hands, ideally you will need a special press (puller).

With its help, it is possible to dismantle the support more accurately, and therefore the new one will be installed more reliably. You can find a press at most service stations, but if you don’t have access to such a tool, you can make do with improvised means. For pressing out, you can use a piece of pipe slightly larger in diameter than the ball.

And for pressing, a head size 34 or 36 is suitable. In addition, you need keys for 13, 16 and 18, as well as a large flat screwdriver.

How to change it yourself: step-by-step instructions

There are two methods for replacing a ball joint on a Renault Logan - with and without removing the lever. In the first case, it is more convenient to dismantle the faulty ball joint, in the second - there is less assembly and disassembly work. In the instructions we consider both options. Basic steps:

remove the wheel;
remove the caliper;
unscrew and knock out the ball joint;
remove the lever (with the first method);
press out the old support;
press in a new one;
assemble in reverse order.

Let's take a closer look at each point.

There shouldn't be any problems removing the wheel. But when removing the caliper, you need to unscrew the two 18mm mounting bolts, and then release the brake pads. This can be done using a screwdriver or a small pry bar. To decompress, rest not against the disc, but against the pad. After dismantling, hang the caliper higher on the suspension spring using wire or rope.
Remove the caliper
Now we have access to the ball joint. It is secured with a bolt and nut. Immediately unscrew the nut and knock out the bolt or gradually unscrew it, pressing from the reverse side. At the mounting point on the steering knuckle there is a special slot into which you need to drive a large screwdriver (like a wedge). After which you can pull out the ball.
Drive a screwdriver into the slot of the steering knuckle and remove the ball
The next step depends on the replacement method you choose. If you decide to try to pull out the support without removing the lever, then you need to select a suitable piece of pipe or other spacer. The main conditions are that the length allows one end of the device to rest against the ground, and the other end against the suspension arm. And the diameter should be slightly larger than the bottom of the ball, so that when knocked out it will fall inward. If the boot remains intact, it is better to remove it. It may come in handy in the future, since the anthers are not supplied separately (some install them from the Gazelle, but you will have to struggle with installation).
If the old boot is intact, it is better to keep it
Next, knock out the old part with a hammer. Be sure to check for the presence of a retaining ring on the ball housing. The original supports do not have them, but some “analogs” are included. If any are found, remove the ring and then knock it out.
To install a new spare part, a 34 or 36 head is suitable. Use it as a spacer, resting it on the lower part of the support. The splines of the ball must match the splines of the lever. There is no need to rush at this stage. If the new support enters the lever at an angle, you will not be able to press it in correctly. What’s worse is that in this case the seat in the lever is deformed, and you will have to buy the lever assembly. Therefore, proceed carefully.
Be careful when working with the ball seat
The replacement procedure is much more convenient to do with the lever removed. To do this, you will have to unscrew the nut and pull out the bolt securing the lever to the subframe, front and rear silent block. And also unscrew and pull out the connecting rod and stabilizer link.
We reassemble in reverse order, not forgetting to check the condition of the fastening bolts. If they are damaged (mechanically or by corrosion), be sure to replace them with new ones.
Don't forget to put the plastic washer that is installed on top of the boot. Without it, the service life of the ball joint is reduced by a third.

How to remove and replace ball joints on a Renault Logan: video

Replacement nuances

The main disadvantage of replacing the ball joint separately from the arm is the possibility that it may “pop out” of its seat. In this case, the steering wheel turns 30–40 degrees to the side and the ball joint is guaranteed to fail (at least the boot). If this happens, then in most cases the entire lever needs to be replaced. Some mechanics “tighten” the support to the lever by spot welding in several places. With this method, there is a high probability of damaging the boot (it will burn out), and no one will give a guarantee against “crash”. “Analogues” with a locking ring will prevent possible falling out.
For Renault Logan, the levers are supplied together with two silent blocks. If they are damaged on your car, then it is easier and cheaper to buy the part assembled, since the difference in the cost of the ball and silent blocks separately will be insignificant. Especially when you consider that the silent blocks also need to be pressed out.
If you changed the ball joint by removing the entire lever or replaced it as an assembly, then you definitely need to do a wheel alignment of the suspension.

The procedure for replacing a ball joint on a Renault Logan is quite simple. Even a novice car enthusiast can handle this if desired.

Although for more accurate work you may need a press. But from the point of view of road safety, it is better to change the entire lever assembly.

Source: https://carnovato.ru/kogda-i-kak-menyat-sharovye-opory-na-logane-sovety-i-instrukcii/

Replacing a ball joint on a VAZ 2110, video on how to change it

The design itself and the installation location of the ball joints imply the most severe operating conditions. Almost the entire load of the vehicle's mass falls on one small point in the form of a finger ball surface.

And if you take into account the weight of luggage and passengers, overloads during aggressive driving and the disgusting quality of roads, it immediately becomes clear why this unit requires such close attention.

Fortunately, on a VAZ 2110 car you can do the replacement yourself.

This element is located in the front part of the car's suspension, on the front arms.

Ball joint location

In addition to the fact that during vertical movements of the wheels, the ball joints must ensure their fixed position in the horizontal plane, the support pin must have a certain degree of freedom to rotate in the bowl bushing and at the same time could move at a slight angle to the sides.

Finger movement directions

Symptoms of a problem

While operating the vehicle, it is necessary to periodically “listen” to the operation of its suspension. It is especially worth paying attention to the following symptoms of support failure:

The steering wheel began to rotate a little tighter or an extraneous sound (creaking) appeared when turning;
At low speeds, when overcoming minor obstacles (tram tracks, paving stones), a knock is heard in the front of the car;
Slight runout of the front wheels when moving straight;
Uneven tread wear, with the side of the tire wearing out more.

Reasons for failure

The root causes of failure are impacts and friction. Factors leading to a sad result:

Driving through seemingly small obstacles at “indecent” speeds (tram rails, potholes);
Lack of lubrication. The lubricant simply dries out or freezes, losing its properties;
Destruction of the support boots and, as a result, water and dirt getting into the gap between the pin and the plastic liner.

Since the ball joint is constantly under load (the weight of the car, pressure from the anti-roll bar and the front arm), to check the condition we will need to unload the car wheel, that is, hang it. Then we take the wheel with both hands by the top and bottom and try to swing it in opposite directions.

Let's listen to the knock

Not every knock indicates that the ball joint needs to be replaced. You should call an assistant and ask him to press the brake pedal - if the knocking noise disappears, it means that the play belongs to a worn wheel bearing.

Then we take a pry bar, insert it between the lever and the longitudinal rod - swing the lever in a vertical plane, listen to the knock, or put your free hand on the support cup and try to record small impacts.

Fix the gap between the finger and the liner

How to replace a ball joint on a VAZ 2110

So, if even a slight play was detected, then the ball joint definitely needs to be replaced. If no extraneous noise or shocks were detected, then you need to make sure that the boot is intact and, if necessary, replace it.

When replacing the boot, you should not fill it with grease more than halfway, otherwise the grease may damage the integrity of the rubber seal, which will lead to rapid wear of the entire assembly.

According to statistics, about 20 million ball joints are sold and bought annually on the Russian auto parts market, a considerable share of which are outright fakes. Therefore, it is best to purchase new spare parts those that are used directly by the manufacturer itself or of a reinforced type.

Original ball

Reinforced ball joint

To replace the ball we need the following tools:

Heads on “19” and “17”;
Mount;
Sledgehammer and hammer;
Puller;
New ball joint.

It is better to use not just any puller, but one made specifically for pressing out ball VAZ 2110.

Special puller

If this device is missing, then we have two more ways to press the finger out of the lever:

Using a jack (we place it under the finger, create tension and push the lever down with jerks);
Using a sledgehammer and a hammer (using the hammer as a spacer), tap the lever with the sledgehammer.

Places of application of the tool

Removing the support

Unscrew the pin nut securing it to the lever;

Unscrew the nut

We unscrew the support itself from the steering knuckle;

Unscrew the support bolts and remove them along with the washers

We install the puller by first moving the steering knuckle to the side;

We push out our finger

Carefully, without touching the grenade boot with the pry bar, move the lever down to remove the ball;

We take out the ball joint

Audit

We carry out a final check of the support by rocking the ball itself in the cage (the maximum play should be no more than 0.7 mm);

swing it relative to the support cup

If the finger dangles freely under its own weight, it is definitely a replacement;

Moves with slight movement

If the support is normal, and the dirt cover has visible defects, then it is necessary to replace the lubricant and the cover itself (if water or dirt gets inside the support, it is better to replace the element completely);

Don’t forget to fill the dirt-proof cover with lubricant

Installation

Install the spacer sleeve all the way;

We put on the pre-lubricated bushing

Fill the new cap halfway with grease;

Let's not overdo it

The place where the protective cap fits on the support is treated with sealant;

Sealing the seat

We assemble in the reverse order, do not forget to check tighten the threaded connections on a fully loaded vehicle.

How to change ball joints on a ten with your own hands: video

The production of ball joints is a high-tech production with a high degree of reliability. Despite this, replacing the element in question is one of the most common types of repairs.

Unfortunately, this situation will not change until the quality of domestic roads changes.

So if you want to save your nerves and money, then look under the car a little more often and adhere to a reasonable driving style.

Source: http://motorltd.ru/zamena-sharovoy-oporyi-vaz-2110/