A - Arm Ball Joint

[Sevey]

I have read posts how to get the a arm separated from the spindle, but are the lower a-arm ball joints not meant to be removed and pressed in?

I know if the upper a-arm ball joint needs replacing, a new a arm must be purchased - what about the lower?

I have the sled apart on the stand without the ski and shock - so you can get a hold of the spindle. There is no lateral play - fore/aft, but vertical (up and down) there is some movement in the joint. Sled just rolled over 12,000km this year. What are others seeing in ball joint life.

If this was my nytro i would have been putting my 3rd set of ball joints in it lol.
MS

 

[cannondale27]

I have read posts how to get the a arm separated from the spindle, but are the lower a-arm ball joints not meant to be removed and pressed in?

I know if the upper a-arm ball joint needs replacing, a new a arm must be purchased - what about the lower?

I have the sled apart on the stand without the ski and shock - so you can get a hold of the spindle. There is no lateral play - fore/aft, but vertical (up and down) there is some movement in the joint. Sled just rolled over 12,000km this year. What are others seeing in ball joint life.

If this was my nytro i would have been putting my 3rd set of ball joints in it lol.
MS

24000mi on left one. Right I bent arm so about 10000 on that one. All uppers are original. Way better than Phazer!

 

[1nc 2000]

On the older upper a arms the bearing is swaged position. With the proper tools the old bearing can be cut out and new bearing swaged in place.
But for a $100 per upper arm it might be cheaper to upgrade to new.

 

[Richard Hodgins]

Lower a-arm ball joints are not replaceable. I changed mine out at 12000kms. Tons of play compared to new. Royal distributing in Canada also sells aftermarket ones for cheaper than OEM.

 

[Sevey]

24000mi on left one. Right I bent arm so about 10000 on that one. All uppers are original. Way better than Phazer!

24,000 mi? Thats a lot of miles. Impressive. What kind of play are in them now?
MS

 

[cannondale27]

24,000 mi? Thats a lot of miles. Impressive. What kind of play are in them now?
MS

None really. Same as first year. Bushings were all replaced though. Still play. Getting the Mainway Solutions setup over the summer.

 

[Sevey]

Their a arm bushings are a well made kit. Really tightens things up.
MS

 

[DMCTurbo]

I'm replacing both lower A-arms and wondering what the trick is to get the ball joint lock nut tightened up? The whole ball joint wants to turn. I'm guessing I need to get it pressed into the spindle some how. What's the trick folks. Thanks.

DMC

 

[74Nitro]

I'm replacing both lower A-arms and wondering what the trick is to get the ball joint lock nut tightened up? The whole ball joint wants to turn. I'm guessing I need to get it pressed into the spindle some how. What's the trick folks. Thanks.

DMC

Put weight on it, or use a non-locking nut first, then switch back to the lock-nut.

 

[DMCTurbo]

Put weight on it, or use a non-locking nut first, then switch back to the lock-nut.

Will give that a try. Thanks Nitro

 

[74Nitro]

Will give that a try. Thanks Nitro

No problem.
Would like to ride up in your area next year.

 

[DMCTurbo]

No problem.
Would like to ride up in your area next year.

Let me know whenever you come up.