I want to change the ball joints in my upper control arms. I'm hesitant to buy a ball joint push/pull kit since I don't see using it often, and I don't have sockets large enough to put my own press together. So I'm going to see if I can get a shop to do it. Question: Does the ball joint get pressed up and out , or down and out? (I'm assuming it is up and out.) I had one shop say they couldn't be removed, but I know they can.
Thanks all!

 

Indeed they can.

See attached JTIS snippet.

 

Thank you, Michael. That is the best info I've gotten on this topic, yet. I'm surprised to see he job is more involved than I thought. I imagined it could be done with a simple push/pull bush tool. I do have a question, though. On page 8, I can't tell if the special tool is putting its pressure on the ball joint bolt or it's pressing a cup against the underside of the flange? I'm assuming this data applies to the 2005 model, as well. Really appreciate the knowledge.

 

Hi,
The special tool (essentially just a deep cup):
https://jlrequipment.service-solutio...px?SKU=204-200

will press on the shoulder of the ball joint to push it out once the rubber gaiter and clips are removed.
It's probably easier to see from this image:




...although, in practice, I don't think it matters since you're replacing it.

Special tool 204-199 is just a pair of cups that fit over the new joint ready for the press:
https://jlrequipment.service-solutio...px?SKU=204-199.

You should be able to find suitable large-diameter sockets in place of these.

Upper ones are straightforward, the lower ones are - er - not so easy.

It's the same part for all MYs. Pop the new joints in the freezer for a day or two before the job.

 

Thanks, again. All good stuff to know. I'm surprised none of thee AutoZones or Advance Autos loan the bush tool. Still hoping to find a shop on Monday, otherwise I'll take a go at it myself.

 

Just found the ball joint press kit is available on loan from Advance. Be going there after dinner.

 

surprised to hear Advanced or AutoZone won't loan the tool - I borrowed from them when I did mine a few years ago. I did but a kit from Harbor Freight when I replaced the lower ball joints and that can be done but is a B*&*ch

 

Yeah, I somehow missed the ball-joint tool when I looked (I was checking "suspension tools"). I'm not tackling the lowers now. Gotta build up the energy for that job.

 

I recently did my own ball joints, bushes and so on. Just a couple of points on things. The pdf copy of the JTIS tools used shows the wrong tool for the splitter so ignore the top drawing. Secondly, I removed the gaiter from the old ball joint to get a better bearing surface for the socket or press tool.

 

Starting on my front end project Monday so this is a great help. Doing both ball joints and control arm bushings, going to poly. I may try to replace the ball joints myself with a kit but likely turn up going to a good indy shop in town. Thanks for posting this PDF, in will come in handy.

 

Splitting went easy with the expandable splitter. Yup, boots off. Got the kit from Advance and will be trying it out later.

 

Hi all, on the discussion of ball joints.
I got my 2003 XK8 up on the lift and found my ball joints boots are all ripped. I found the part # for the upper JLM21380. I can't find the part # for the lower ball joint I have seen MNC1350AA posted in other threads but from my searching those fit 97-02, not 03-06. Does anyone know what that # is for 2003+ 4.2 lower ball joints?

 

Advance Auto Has them: https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/fi...wer-ball-joint

 

Got mine from Rockauto. TM

 

Thanks Stamford.