seanton Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 Has anybody here had luck changing lower ball joints? I had tried to change one a few months back but the press I borrowed didn't seem to fit so I gave up. I'm heading on a road trip soon so I want to get this done asap. The only videos I've seen that could help are for Avengers and they all seem to either smack it out with a sledge hammer. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkeaton Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 Pretty standard. If it "didn't seem to fit", then you need to find the correct press that does fit. 2late4u 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armando G Posted August 16, 2017 Report Share Posted August 16, 2017 14 hours ago, seanton said: Out of curiosity, were you changing it just because...our are you having issues? My auto parts store around here let's you rent or borrow specialty tools like a press. Ever try that? They can help you make sure you have the right size for what you are doing. Good luck and post pictures if you do get it done. jkeaton 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
probak118 Posted August 19, 2017 Report Share Posted August 19, 2017 (edited) Another question for my curiosity, Dodge not having the ball joint nipples to add grease to them. Has anyone used that small needle on their grease gun end to penetrate the rubber jacket and force grease into it ? I know you may have some leaking ( a little afterwards) but at least you are keeping them well greased now. Edited August 19, 2017 by probak118 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armando G Posted August 20, 2017 Report Share Posted August 20, 2017 17 hours ago, probak118 said: Another question for my curiosity, Dodge not having the ball joint nipples to add grease to them. Has anyone used that small needle on their grease gun end to penetrate the rubber jacket and force grease into it ? I know you may have some leaking ( a little afterwards) but at least you are keeping them well greased now. Have not done it on my Journey but did try it on another previous truck. Was even advised to put a touch of sealant when done. Result...ended up replacing it shortly there-after. 2late4u 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seanton Posted September 1, 2017 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2017 I changed it because the wheel was rattling and there was a bit of shaking while driving. I successfully did the job a few weeks ago, here are some tips if anybody else ever comes across this, I attached the service manual to this post, just follow it and look at my notes. -I rented the ball joint removal press, an adapter set and the pickle fork from Canadian Tire. The ball joint press doesn't fit perfectly because of how the knuckle is shaped but using the adapters you can get it off/on -You don't need to remove the speed sensor like the manual says, it won't really get in the way. Mine was kinda stuck so I left it in. -Release of the lower ball joint from the lower control arm was done with a pickle fork (and not the special Dodge remover tool). -I was able to use the press to put the joint back in about halfway, then I had to smack the bottom of one of those cylinders from the kit with a hammer to get it in the rest of the way. ball-joint.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armando G Posted September 2, 2017 Report Share Posted September 2, 2017 Great notes, thanks. Now for the big question...did it solve your issue? Did you also have the squeaking when going over bumps before you did the job? Did this help? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seanton Posted September 4, 2017 Author Report Share Posted September 4, 2017 Yes. No more loud banging noise when I drive over potholes and the ball joint was very worn out so it was it's time to go. jkeaton and Armando G 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SylvainB Posted February 25, 2020 Report Share Posted February 25, 2020 On 01/09/2017 at 10:16 AM, seanton said: I changed it because the wheel was rattling and there was a bit of shaking while driving. I successfully did the job a few weeks ago, here are some tips if anybody else ever comes across this, I attached the service manual to this post, just follow it and look at my notes. -I rented the ball joint removal press, an adapter set and the pickle fork from Canadian Tire. The ball joint press doesn't fit perfectly because of how the knuckle is shaped but using the adapters you can get it off/on -You don't need to remove the speed sensor like the manual says, it won't really get in the way. Mine was kinda stuck so I left it in. -Release of the lower ball joint from the lower control arm was done with a pickle fork (and not the special Dodge remover tool). -I was able to use the press to put the joint back in about halfway, then I had to smack the bottom of one of those cylinders from the kit with a hammer to get it in the rest of the way. ball-joint.pdf Did you remove the entire knuckle !? I need to replace both ball joint and I don't want to if not needed since the only place to put the press is in the knuckle opening maybe the axle is in the way !? Since you said you didn't remove the speed sensor ..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seanton Posted April 5, 2020 Author Report Share Posted April 5, 2020 No I didn't have remove the whole knuckle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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