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How easy is to replace lower arm ball joint 2002 Space Gear?


 
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gpf



Joined: 07 Nov 2020
Posts: 22
Location: Coventry

PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2022 23:00    Post subject: How easy is to replace lower arm ball joint 2002 Space Gear? Reply with quote

Hi guys, I did a search but couldn't find anything..

Anyone know how easy it is to replace a lower arm ball joint on a 2002 Delica Space Gear?

I'm getting lots of clonky noises... and some vibrations in the steering wheel, although it seems to lessen after 20 minutes of driving..

also - how robust are they? could it be safe enough to drive the vehicle do we think if its really clonky (its been like it several months now)

Appreciate any wisdom greatly received

I will get it taken to a ramp at local garage, but would be good to know what you guys think... (I know nothing about this area)
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gpf



Joined: 07 Nov 2020
Posts: 22
Location: Coventry

PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2022 23:05    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint
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Lewis
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Joined: 25 May 2006
Posts: 16291
Location: Huddersfield

PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 7:15    Post subject: Reply with quote

Easy job, if you have tools to do it.

IE:-

Jack
Axle stands
socket set
spanners
x1, preferably x2, 4lb lump hammers.
copper grease, for applying to threads before replacing nuts.
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andyman



Joined: 08 Dec 2012
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Location: Penrith

PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 7:27    Post subject: Reply with quote

Not done this job myself. Is this the one where it is recommended to take the pressure off the lower ball joint by using a bottle jack (should be one with the vehicle) between the upper, outer ball joint and the lower wishbone pivot bolt. once you've taken the wheel off?
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Lewis
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 7:32    Post subject: Reply with quote

No Andy.  You’re thinking of the top balljoint removal.

Edited to add a photo:-


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Last edited by Lewis on Wed Apr 06, 2022 13:46; edited 1 time in total
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gpf



Joined: 07 Nov 2020
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Location: Coventry

PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 10:35    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks a lot (and for tool list) -
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gpf



Joined: 07 Nov 2020
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Location: Coventry

PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 10:37    Post subject: Reply with quote

Can just the ball joint be replaced? Or does it require the whole arm? / cheers
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Lewis
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 11:34    Post subject: Reply with quote

If it is just the balljoint that is worn, or the gaiter split/shredded, then just replace that.



The Wishbone (Arm) is more of a problem, with two rubber bushes in it, plus replacement of a wishbone also requires the suspension geometery to be reset, using a laser alignment setup in a 4x4 enabled garage.
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gpf



Joined: 07 Nov 2020
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 11:46    Post subject: Reply with quote

- whats the upper ball joint like as a job? while I'm here

Thanks Lewis - I think you may just about be  as important as my motor itself .. beyond helpful  - would be lost without this forum
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Andy W



Joined: 03 May 2015
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 13:18    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi, as the top and bottom ball joints don't have positive locations, don't you need to get the suspension geometry set up again anyway?
Andy
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Lewis
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 13:36    Post subject: Reply with quote

gpf wrote:
- whats the upper ball joint like as a job? while I'm here

Thanks Lewis - I think you may just about be  as important as my motor itself .. beyond helpful  - would be lost without this forum


Job is easy as per my first reply above.

An added 'luxury' for use would be a padded and insulated, waterproof mat to sit on. Job time approx one hour including making a cuppa.  Very Happy
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Lewis
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 13:42    Post subject: Reply with quote

Andy W wrote:
Hi, as the top and bottom ball joints don't have positive locations, don't you need to get the suspension geometry set up again anyway?
Andy


As you are simply lifting out a fixed piece of metal, with a built-in ball joint, and not making changes to the wishbone settings no re-alignment is required.
Though there's nothing to stop you dishing out the extra £50 for a garage doing it, if it makes you feel better.


I was going to put a photo here, but the image hosting company link is playing up.  Sad
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skodarapid



Joined: 10 Jul 2018
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Location: Northamptonshire

PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 16:31    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think one hour is a little optimistic.  These jobs write off my weekends.  If it's anything like mine, add a grinder to your tool list.  You have to slide the driveshaft out of the hub for clearance above the bad ball joint because the taper you are removing from the knuckle assembly is quite long.
Not sure now if you can slide the driveshaft all the way out without disconnecting something else, i.e trackrod/upper ball joint bolts.  What brand ball joint have you bought?

If the upper is just as old, I recommend doing both at the same time.  I started doing the odd one but within a couple years have changed all of them.
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gpf



Joined: 07 Nov 2020
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 16:39    Post subject: Reply with quote

okay thanks for that - I was going to approach it one at a time (perhaps I should re-think that then - and look at both)

appreciate the help everyone... plus now might be a good time for a cuppa ..too ...  Very Happy
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Lewis
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 17:42    Post subject: Reply with quote

skodarapid wrote:
………You have to slide the driveshaft out of the hub for clearance ……


Shocked

Whatever it is you were doing it must have been somethings else.  You do not need to remove the driveshaft to replace a wishbone balljoint.
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Deker



Joined: 08 Mar 2008
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 18:14    Post subject: Reply with quote

GPF
The lower ball joint (steering joint) can be a bit of a "Chinese Puzzle" to insert into the lower arm.

When you remove it take note of how it comes out. Replace new in the same order.

Mr D
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skodarapid



Joined: 10 Jul 2018
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 20:58    Post subject: Reply with quote

Lewis wrote:
skodarapid wrote:
………You have to slide the driveshaft out of the hub for clearance ……


Shocked

Whatever it is you were doing it must have been somethings else.  You do not need to remove the driveshaft to replace a wishbone balljoint.


Well there is only 15-20mm clerance between the top of the lower ball joint and the driveshaft, so when you are driving the taper out of the knuckle assembly it will simply knock into the driveshaft.  When was the last time you did it?
I am assuming it's 4WD and you aren't removing the lower arm from the inboard mountings.
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