Steering knuckle ball joints service kits

[scubaman]

Ok so I searched and read all the threads on this major PITA. Sounded like the most difficult DIY job for D2 owners, but I still have to tackle this.

Can't find a better write up than this: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-...knuckle-balljoints-removal-refitting-how.html

But I have no way to fabricate the tools nor can I go Autozone to borrow some ball joint tools. So my question is, had anyone actually used those ball joint service kits on a D2:

http://www.amazon.com/OTC-7249-Ball-Joint-Service/dp/B0002SRGXY
or
http://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-7897-Service-Tool/dp/B00061SGZO

 

[redhawkrovers]

.I own the OTC and it works well
But buy the astro version with the adapters you most likely will need them.

 

[KyleT]

dont do it, seriously.

if the boots are torn, just keep driving it. if they are physically loose, locate a used housing in good shape. its cheaper and easier.

 

[crown14]

dont do it, seriously.

if the boots are torn, just keep driving it. if they are physically loose, locate a used housing in good shape. its cheaper and easier.

Agreed

 

[K-rover]

dont do it, seriously.

if the boots are torn, just keep driving it. if they are physically loose, locate a used housing in good shape. its cheaper and easier.

What makes this such a PIA?
The link to the write up looked fairly simple. Especially if you have the proper tool and not a home made contraption.

Mine are on the way out after 180k so this is also on my list.

 

[cyoc62]

It is a PITA if you don't have the right tools. I used a kit from Harbor Freight and after two days of fighting, two evenings after work actually, I returned it. The screw was way too long and not enough adapters.

I "rented" a kit from Advance. The screw was noticeably shorter and it had lots of the adapters. It took me about eight to ten hours to finish. I would get the Astro kit, you're going to need those adapters.

I followed the link you have and watched a few videos on youtube. The worst part of the job was removing the knuckle, seriously. :banghead: Having an extra hand or two to hold the clamp and adapters is nice if you can get it.

Put the new ball joints in the freezer or refrigerator the night before.

 

[rover4x4]

Can you install a DI axle on DII, that's what I would do. Its nice being able to rebuild stuff.

 

[scubaman]

Unfortunately not fixing it is not an option. I live in Hong Kong and it won't pass the government inspection.

 

[messar]

If you can stomach the price, you can buy the proper tool here:

http://www.dingocroft.co.uk/acatalog/Other_tools-p2.html

It's about half way down on the page.

Matt

 

[bmxer06pa]

In a complete dumbass moment I cracked the mount for my tierod on the passenger knuckle. I have the replacement, but I have not put it in yet. Am i in for a world of hurt just replacing the knuckle, even if I am not replacing the ball joints?

 

[KyleT]

In a complete dumbass moment I cracked the mount for my tierod on the passenger knuckle. I have the replacement, but I have not put it in yet. Am i in for a world of hurt just replacing the knuckle, even if I am not replacing the ball joints?

ehh, the ball joints are shimmed on the housing to match the housing to the knuckle. you might get lucky.


i put toyota axles under mine instead of replacing those ball joints...

 

[Racer X]

Are D2 Ball Joints really this much of a pain in the ass to replace?

I was going to replace mine since the boots on my lowers are shot, and I'm starting to get creaking when I steer on occasion.

 

[Urban Panzer]

These are fun to do agreed, but with a good tool both sides can be done in about 4 hours.

This is the tool I use, done 4 sets with it now.

http://www.cromwell.co.uk/KEN5031300K

NOTE :- there is some cheap "copies" of this tool made in china, and I bent the C section applying the force to push one out. The tool in the link above has perfect adapters and to date has done the knuckle joints easily.

I would advise you fit OEM spec joints (Lemforder) as these can only be done 3 times before the axle is scrap and the cheap pattern parts wont last.

 

[Racer X]

Thanks for that link!

As it turns out, I'm in London for work (here until July), so it's nice that I won't get dinged on freight charges back to the states.

On the Lemforder parts, any idea where to order from here? I'm about to place an order with Paddock for some E-code headlights (left hand drive), if I can order the joints there then so much the better.

 

[cyoc62]

By far, the worst part of this, is separating the knuckle from the axle. I would think an air powered hammer would really help. Otherwise, you're using a hand operated, air-cooled, hammer. :banghead: Not fun!

Either of the presses will work. The one from cromwell looks like what I used.

 

[jafir]

By far, the worst part of this, is separating the knuckle from the axle. I would think an air powered hammer would really help. Otherwise, you're using a hand operated, air-cooled, hammer. :banghead: Not fun!

Either of the presses will work. The one from cromwell looks like what I used.

If you are replacing the joints anyway, can you not just use a pickle fork? I've never done this job on a D2 so I have no idea what I'm talking about of course.

 

[listerdiesel]

You can't get the prongs between the joint and the axle forging, that's why the tool is needed, plus you aren't separating a taper joint, these are pressed into the casting with a heavy interference fit.

Our son's D2 has had one set already, done by a dealer and marked with a circle of green paint.

I've ordered that kit from Cromwells, should be here this week, I'll report back when it's here, we have a couple of spare axles to play with

Peter

 

[listerdiesel]

Kit arrived nice and early this morning, it weighs 7.6kg or a whopping 16.72lbs in old money.

Generally it looks good, finish and fit are good and the parts look as though they will last.

I'm going to try it out on a spare axle casing I have first, then I'll see about doing the ones on my own vehicle.

Peter

 

[Urban Panzer]

Thanks for that link!

As it turns out, I'm in London for work (here until July), so it's nice that I won't get dinged on freight charges back to the states.

On the Lemforder parts, any idea where to order from here? I'm about to place an order with Paddock for some E-code headlights (left hand drive), if I can order the joints there then so much the better.

Im not sure if paddocks do them or not, I get them from here :-

http://www.island-4x4.co.uk/discovery-9804-wheel-bearings-axle-parts-c-18_107.html

 

[cyoc62]

Jafir; I think listerdiesel answered your question. The pickle fork will only work on the track / trailing / tie / steering rod(s), whatever you want to call them. But if you use the fork on those, plan on replacing the entire rod too, because the joints are pressed and crimped into the rod(s) and you'll likely destroy the boot.