Wheel bearing/Ball Joints

[THISISWEIRD]

I've searched quite a bit yesterday, but does anyone have a good link to a previous thread on ball joint and wheel bearing replacement? I've never done either and I think I need to do it.

I've replaced the steering box and the drag link as well as made the XJ swap and it's helped a ton. When I turn the wheel, everything moves as it should all the way to the steering arm and then I have play. I'm guessing the ball joints are bad. I lifted the front of the truck and pulled top-to-bottim on the wheel and there is some play. However, there's equal amount of play side to side and some noise....like maybe a bearing loose. I'm a bit nervous about undertaking this job. As always, help is appreciated.

 

[roadnotca]

I've searched quite a bit yesterday, but does anyone have a good link to a previous thread on ball joint and wheel bearing replacement? I've never done either and I think I need to do it.

I've replaced the steering box and the drag link as well as made the XJ swap and it's helped a ton. When I turn the wheel, everything moves as it should all the way to the steering arm and then I have play. I'm guessing the ball joints are bad. I lifted the front of the truck and pulled top-to-bottim on the wheel and there is some play. However, there's equal amount of play side to side and some noise....like maybe a bearing loose. I'm a bit nervous about undertaking this job. As always, help is appreciated.

Thats routine maintenance so a Chilton's, or better, a Hayne's manual covers that.

 

[odoa3]

Before you dive into the ball joints check your bearings first. The good thing is that to get to where you change the ball joints you have to go through the bearings.

Roadnotca is correct though, a good manual would go a long ways to helping you out doing this. I would try to find a Haynes manual, they just seem to be a little more detailed.

The hardest part of this project will be beating the ball joints out. From what you have done so far, this will not be an issue for you. Take digital pictures as you pull it apart so you have a reference when it comes time to put it back together. Also, lay out all the hub parts in order, that helps quite a bit.

 

[jms]

...
The hardest part of this project will be beating the ball joints out...

Don't do that; get a press. Harbor Freight sells an inexpensive tool for ball joints and u-joints.

And a search will find something like this:
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=197818&highlight=ball+joint

But as mentioned, check wheel bearings first.

 

[Dafey]

There right , get a Haynes at least. I was looking at my Chilitons this morning at the steering section , there wasn't much on bearings or balljoints , there wasn't many details at all . I need to tear into mine , its wondering around a lot

 

[odoa3]

I tried to use a press once, and watched someone else try to press out ball joints and both times it did not work. We always have to end up going old school on them. Do you soak them first for a few days, or have some other special trick you use with the press?

 

[jms]

A little PB blaster the day before, then apply pressure on the balljoint slowly, and hit the knuckle a bit with a hammer (similar to hitting/tapping the yoke when pressing out a u-joint) as you increase pressure. The HF tool has worked for me, $30 well spent. Then again, my truck is an CA/AZ vehicle with very little rust, and I didn't take it out in the winters in Nebraska because of the road salt...