Replacing Lcas.

I picked myself up some new lcas and a swaybar for my ek (all stock gli) and am wondering how to remove the lca from my car. Im assuming i need to remove the ball joint attached to the brake assembly, but then do i need to remove the cv joint to get access to the ball joint. And then do i need a ball joint press to disconnect the joint or are there any other tools i can use as i dont have a ball joint press.

Thanks.

With the wheels off and on jack stands -

Remove split pin from ball joint
Loosen bottom 17mm crown but on ball joint guide
Now use a large mallet and SMASH either side of the control arm close to the joint-
To "crack" the ball joint. Just TAP TAP then check . Should pop in a few
Decent whacks.
You can then remove the fork long bolt and 2 end bolts of the control and and slide it off.

Im assuming its the front LCA? No u dont need a ball joint separator, if ur good with a hammer, an this is the old way of doin it, u hit it in the correct spot on the knuckle with enough blows an force u can separate it... and if ur scared to use a hammer, an do decide to get a ball joint separator, just dont get a pickle fork, as ive seen them destroy a fair few ball joint boots, which u need intact lol

you don't hit the knuckle, you hit the LCA to shock the ball joint out of the LCA. But don't bother doing that, you risk damaging the LCA, ball joint and other parts if you miss.

Best trick I've found is to jack up the LCA, wedge a spanner in between the LCA and bottom of knuckle and then lower the jack. The weight of the hubs/brakes and the angle of the LCA when lowered will force the ball joint out. Hard to explain over the interweb but easy to understand when seen.

I use to hammer and smash the LCA as well but this method is way faster, safer and works 100% of the time when done correctly.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dorikin

you don't hit the knuckle, you hit the LCA to shock the ball joint out of the LCA. But don't bother doing that, you risk damaging the LCA, ball joint and other parts if you miss.

Best trick I've found is to jack up the LCA, wedge a spanner in between the LCA and bottom of knuckle and then lower the jack. The weight of the hubs/brakes and the angle of the LCA when lowered will force the ball joint out. Hard to explain over the interweb but easy to understand when seen.

I use to hammer and smash the LCA as well but this method is way faster, safer and works 100% of the time when done correctly.

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ah yes my bad, but most workshops do just smash away with a hammer :)

To release the ball joint safely, you can get a 3/8" rachet and stick it in between the LCA and the fork (IIRC) to gain leverage and lower the car slowly - it will pop like magic.

Google/Youtube it and you'll find it. Mad tricks for the EG/DC2.

Goodluck!

Peace.

I obviously need to remove my cv joint before i can do any of this? And btw how do i reinstall the ball joint after all this, do i need a ball joint press? Or are there any other tricks i can use with ordinary tools.