How to replace drag link ball joint, the stupid expensive way D'oh.
Recently I was purchasing some genuine power steering fluid from the dealership when I stupidly asked "How much for a drag link ball joint?".
I was totally shocked when the parts guy said $35bux for genuine and I can have it here in 2 hours, Hmmm I was planing on a drag link flip and other Poly Performance parts - what to do???? - As I was driving the black Pearl (Pirate ship or Pile of ship LoL) all over the road and death wobble was getting closer and closer I decided to get the ball joint as a temporary measure, 2 hours latter I returned to pick up my new BJ, paid for it and as I was leaving the store I noticed I had been charged $135Bux D'oh D'oh D'oh.
1. Go and buy a ball joint separator $25 - the BJ's are tight as, and I don't think it is doable without one.
2. Turn your steering wheel to almost full lock left - this will give good access to the lock nut.
3. Using a 21mm spanner or socket undo the nut on top of the BJ, if it starts to slip you can put an allen key into the top of the BJ to stop slippage. take the nut off.
4.use your new ball joint separator - again I had use it like I planned to break it (same as my steering pitman arm remover) to remove the BJ
5. To save yourself a wheel alignment - well at least the pain of getting your steering wheel straight again - which is vital to the operation of the computer stability cr@p (I managed to avoid one) hold the drag link against the tie rod and mark the tie rod with a line or scratch so you can install the new BJ at exactly the same distance as the old one.
6. twist out the old Ball joint and screw in the new one
align the mark you made on the diff, insert the new BJ into the pitman arm and tighten the nut on top, if you are as lucky as I was when you test drive your jeep the steering wheel should still point straight
I hope this is helpful - if you have any suggestions re how to improve the repair pls post up
Cheers Hunty
