Hi

It MOT time for the above. what is the best way to change the lower suspension ball joint. (its a press fit)

Any advise would be appreciated.

Hall

A picture or two might help

They are not easy to change without a big press and some heat,I have a 120dci renault master minicoach,mine were changed last month but my garage changed the whole bottom wishbones,they are only around £100 each,the garage labour rate is around £65 per hour,so it works out cheaper to replace the complete units than have them change the ball joints,obviously different if your doing the job yourself,but a good press is essential if you are.

done one the other day. quite an easy job, used an airgun to get the big bolts off. had the apprentice holt the arm on the vice while i used the big sledge to hit the balljoint out out, popped out on first hit!! then pressed in new one. it really is an easy job (made easier with a good airgun and sledge) also alot cheaper than a new arm!!! if you have not got use of a press find a local garage to press it in for you. wont cost much.

atb

rob

I've done a couple too, much easier with a press but a big vice may be up to pushing the new one into place
However hard you find the job, just wait till you do a top one, the joint itself is similar but the arm is a rocker working on an inboard spring. On the one I did the bolts snapped into the chassis leg, made it an all day job!

How do you remove the wishbones?? not familar with Renaults haveing run LDV 400s for years.

simple affair, big nut on front, and a bracket with big long bolt on the back, shouldnt take you that long providing you got decent tools and jack.

atb

rob

Rob

Thanks for advise. Not sure how the w/bone bolt is removed. Is it pressed into the bracket. does the bracket have to be removed? This set up is new to me. If you have time the chat please give me a call on 07831 679 030

Cheers

Hall