tie rods and ball joints

[nmattis64]

I want to have the tie rods and ball joints replaced on my 05 ls. I'm pretty savvy on replacing parts on my car, but and wondering if it will be worth my time doing it myself or should I just take it to Quick Lane and have them do the work. My dilemma is cost vs time.

 

[1LoudLS]

well to answer that question, you need to call a bunch of places and see what they are going to charge you for the job, then you will have the information to decide on whether or not the cost is worth paying for or is it a better deal to do it yourself.

 

[FDR]

Also consider the fact you'll need an alignment immediately after replacement

 

[DeviLSh]

Front wheel bearings need to be removed in order to remove the ball joint from the knuckle. Depending on your mileage and where the car has spent its life, it may be hard to remove those wheel bearings without damaging them. (I Just went through this on my car). At a minimum the BJ job will require labor of removing the bearings.

And FDR is correct - be sure to factor in the cost of an alignment after the job is done. If your rear settings are good meaning your rear bushings are in good shape, and the rear toe links have not failed, you might be able to get away with a 2-wheel (front) alignment.


If you decide to order Moog tie rods and BJ's - let me know if you receive any guidance on what grease to use for the "problemsolver" parts. I got all my stuff from rockauto and the instructions dont say anything about greasing them before install/first drive, or what grease to use. I have all my stuff on the car, but haven't driven it because I just got a grease gun today.

 

[RigsLS]

Grease is grease, honestly.

Blue stuff should keep it happy all around.

 

[cammerfe]

Get an 'Ultra' grease with molybdenum disulphide additive.

KS

 

[heyjewel]

ball joint removal

I want to have the tie rods and ball joints replaced on my 05 ls. I'm pretty savvy on replacing parts on my car, but and wondering if it will be worth my time doing it myself or should I just take it to Quick Lane and have them do the work. My dilemma is cost vs time.

Does anyone think this will work on LS lowers?

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMJHCI/ref=pe_847900_216216080_em_1p_0_im

 

[LS4me]

Does anyone think this will work on LS lowers?

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMJHCI/ref=pe_847900_216216080_em_1p_0_im

Can't imagine why it wouldn't.....

 

[heyjewel]

Can't imagine why it wouldn't.....

Just worrying about the aluminum.

Then worrying about how to press new ones back in.

 

[cammerfe]

Do you have access to a bench vise? That would be minimum. Better would be an actual hydraulic press.

KS

 

[heyjewel]

Do you have access to a bench vise? That would be minimum. Better would be an actual hydraulic press.

KS

I do have a small bench vise. As to a hydraulic press:
My wife was a jewelry maker in a former life. I just learned that she and a nephew created a home-made hydraulic press from a small car jack and 2 flat steel plates about 5inches on a side. So I wonder if I dare use that. I'll have a look...