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Ball joint boots

GnatGoSplat

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GnatGoSplat Enthusiast

GnatGoSplat

Posted
Posted

The ball joint boots are damaged on both upper and lower ball joints on one side of my truck. It's a 99 4x4.

The top one leaks oil out quite a bit, while the bottom one leaks, is hard, and does not plump up. The ball joints themselves are still okay.

How big of a pain is it to replace both upper and lower ball joints on a 4x4? Service manual claims I have to pull the upper and lower control arms, torsion spring, shock, halfshaft, etc. Sounds like a big job. Then I need some special tools that I don't have, like a press.

 

I don't suppose replacement ball joint boots are available anywhere?

MountaineerTom Senior Enthusiast

MountaineerTom

Posted
Posted

I'm not sure how this compares to the new body style trucks, but a few years ago I replaced the lower ball joints on the Beretta we used to have. They were held on with big rivets. I drilled them out with some good titanium drill bits and then punched them out with a punch. We were changing the axle shafts and hub assemblies also, so I don't remember if those thigs were already apart when we did the ball joints.

 

Hope that helps a little.

 

I've never heard of being able to change just the boot, it would be cool if you could though.

AZ-Z71 Enthusiast

AZ-Z71

Posted
Posted

I think Tom is about right. I thought some where I read that you have to dril the rivets out and the replacement part has bolts that replace it.

GnatGoSplat Enthusiast

GnatGoSplat

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I've done the drill-out-the-rivets thing before on my car. Not fun, but I also didn't have titanium bits or a punch. It took forever with regular bits and a screwdriver & hammer!

I'll be sure to get the right tools this time.

I just wonder if it's really necessary to remove the control arm, torsion spring, halfshaft, etc. Sounds like a lot more than just an evening job.

 

Kind of seems like a waste of a good balljoint all because a little rubber seal busted open.

AZ-Z71 Enthusiast

AZ-Z71

Posted
Posted

Just did some checking. I can't post the pictures here but here is the instructions I found and it looks like you have to remove the upper and lower (if you're doing both) control arms. Then they talk about pressing the joints out and in.

 

Someone should figure out how to make something to just do the boot and then they will be a millionaire!

 

Upper Ball Joint ReplacementRemoval Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

3. Remove the upper control arm. Refer to Upper Control Arm Replacement .

4. Using a press, remove the upper ball joint.

 

Installation Procedure

Important

The ball joint must be installed with the flat edges or notches in the same position as the replaced ball joint. The ball joint is directional and damage will occur if this procedure is not followed.

1. Using a press, install the upper ball joint.

2. Install the upper control arm. Refer to Upper Control Arm Replacement .

3. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

4. Remove the safety stands.

5. Lower the vehicle.

6. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment or Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.

Lower Ball Joint Replacement Torsion Bar Suspension - 1999

Removal Procedure

1. Raiseand support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

3. Remove the lower control arm. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .

4. Place the lower control arm in a bench vice.

5. Using a chisel, remove the 4 securing crimps from the ball joint body (15 series only).

6. Using a press, remove the ball joint from the lower control arm.

 

Installation Procedure

Important

Use the outer flange of the ball joint in order to press the ball joint into place.

1. Install the new ball joint using a press.

2. Place the lower control arm in a bench vice.

3. Using a punch, install 4 crimps to the ball joint. Use the replaced ball joint as a reference (15 series only).

4. Install the lower control arm. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .

5. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

6. Remove the safety stands.

7. Lower the vehicle.

8. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.

Upper Control Arm ReplacementRemoval Procedure

Tools Required

J 43631 Ball Joint Separator

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

 

 

3. Remove the retaining bolt for the brake hose and the wheel speed sensor brackets.

4. Remove the halfshaft. Refer to Halfshaft Assembly Replacement in Front Drive Axle.

5. Remove the nut at the upper ball joint. Discard the nut.

6. Disconnect the upper control arm from the steering knuckle using J 43631 .

 

 

7. Remove the upper control arm nuts and the adjustment cams (2) (15 Series RWD, 4WD, and 25 Series RWD).

8. Remove the upper control arm bolts (4) (15 Series RWD, 4WD, and 25 Series RWD).

 

 

9. Remove the upper control arm nuts and the adjustment cams (2) (25 Series 4WD).

10. Remove the upper control arm bolts (4) (25 Series 4WD).

11. Remove the upper control arm.

 

Installation Procedure

1. Install the upper control arm.

 

 

2. Install the upper control arm bolts (4) (25 Series 4WD).

Notice

Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

3. Install the upper control arm nuts and the adjustment cams (2) (25 Series 4WD). Tighten

Tighten the nuts to 190 N·m (140 lb ft).

 

 

 

4. Install the upper control arm bolts (4) (15 Series RWD, 4WD, and 25 Series RWD).

5. Install the upper control arm nuts and the adjustment cams (2) (15 Series RWD, 4WD, and 25 Series RWD). Tighten

Tighten the nuts to 190 N·m (140 lb ft).

6. Connect the upper control arm to the steering knuckle .

7. Install the halfshaft. Refer to Halfshaft Assembly Replacement in Front Drive Axle.

8. Install the new nut to the upper ball joint stud. Tighten

Tighten the nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

 

 

 

9. Install the retaining bolts for the brake hose and wheel speed sensor brackets. Tighten

Tighten the bolts to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

10. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

11. Remove the safety stands.

12. Lower the vehicle.

13. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment .

Lower Control Arm Replacement 4WD

 

Removal ProcedureTools Required

J 43631 Ball Joint Separator

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

3. Remove the stabilizer shaft links from the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .

4. Remove the shock absorber nut and the bolt. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .

5. Remove the torsion bars. Refer to Torsion Bar Replacement .

6. Remove the halfshaft. Refer to Halfshaft Assembly Replacement in Front Drive Axle.

7. Remove the lower ball joint stud nut.

8. Disconnect the lower ball joint stud from the steering knuckle using J 43631 .

 

 

9. Remove the lower control arm nuts and the washers (15 Series).

10. Remove the lower control arm bolts.

 

 

11. Remove the lower control arm nuts and the washers (25 Series).

12. Remove the lower control arm bolts

13. Remove the lower control arm.

 

Installation Procedure

1. Install the lower control arm.

 

 

2. Install the lower control arm bolts (15 Series).

 

 

3. Install the lower control arm bolts (25 Series).

 

 

4. Install the washers with the shoulder facing the arm

Notice

Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

5. Install the nuts. Tighten

Tighten the nuts to 145 N·m (107 lb ft).

6. Install the halfshaft. Refer to Halfshaft Assembly Replacement in Front Drive Axle.

7. Connect lower ball joint stud to the steering knuckle.

8. Install the nut to the ball joint stud. Tighten

Tighten the nut to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).

9. Install the torsion bars. Refer to Torsion Bar Replacement .

10. Install the shock absorber through nut and bolt. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .

11. Install the stabilizer shaft links to the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .

12. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

13. Remove the safety stands.

14. Lower the vehicle.

15. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications .

MountaineerTom Senior Enthusiast

MountaineerTom

Posted
Posted

Yeah, regular drill bits sucked. :thumbs: After doing the first one, I went and bought some titanium bits. I think it took me less time to to do the rest than it did the first one. :D I think the new bits were worth it though, they still seem to be just as sharp as they did then. :thumbs:

asepgrad98 Senior Enthusiast

asepgrad98

Posted
Posted

you do not have to remove the upper and lower control arm, you just have to seperate the ball joint from them. lift the truck with the lower control arm and stick a stand under it. then seperate and remove

 

if it was me i would wait untill something is wrong besides a split boot before i replaced them.

GnatGoSplat Enthusiast

GnatGoSplat

Posted
  • Author
Posted

AZ-Z71 - thanks for posting the instructions.

 

I think I'll wait till there's play in the ball joints before I replace them.

That's a whole lot of work for a bad boot.

Plus, I don't have a press!

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