How do you remove ball joints from Subaru knuckles?
there is a gap on the backside of the knuckle – you insert a chisel or very beefy screwdriver in that slot and tap it in there to spread it open. this releases the ball joint. be careful not to over do it, the metal can crack if split too far.
Can you replace ball joints yourself?
Recognizable for a knocking sound in the wheel well as you execute a turn, fixing old ball joints is an important part of keeping your vehicle road-safe. You can do it yourself for the price of the parts and the right approach.
How much does it cost to replace a suspension joint?
The average cost for suspension ball joint replacement is between $241 and $332. Labor costs are estimated between $152 and $192 while parts are priced between $88 and $140. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
How hard is it to replace a ball joint?
Ball joint replacement is not straightforward, as they can be very tricky to access and install – especially with age and rust. On some cars, the ball joint is integrated into the control arm. If you’re not familiar with the suspension and wheel assembly, it’s best to visit a garage for a professional check.
How do you replace a ball joint on a Subaru?
Naturally getting underneath a vehicle supported only by a jack is not wise. Then, a cinder block is laid near the wheel bearing housing. Next, a large pry bar is used to try to wiggle the control arm up and down while leveraging against the cinder block. If any free play is noted or felt at the ball joint, it should be replaced.
What’s the easiest way to remove a ball joint?
The most difficult part of removing any ball joint is disconnecting the taper fit stud at the end of the joint. Some ball joints are made into the lower or upper control arm while in other applications the joint can be unbolted separately.
Where are the ball bearings located on a Subaru?
The ball joint supports the bottom of the bearing housing, and lets it rotate with the steering wheel through the steering rack. Rotation for the top of the wheel bearing housing is handled through the upper strut mount. This mount contains ball bearings in the top that allow it to rotate.
Where is the pinch bolt on a Subaru?
The pinch bolt at the bottom of the wheel bearing housing is normally the hardest part of the replacement. On older Subaru vehicles or those that have been in the rust belt more than a couple years, this bolt will usually snap off, even if heated and if penetrating oil was used liberally. So then it must be drilled out and re-tapped.