How I Removed & Installed Upper Ball Joints (Easiest Way)

[m0ist]

I found there wasn't much info/DIYs for replacing upper ball joints, so hoping I could help someone out that's looking for insight on upper ball joint removal & installation. This is the fastest & easiest method in my opinion since there is no need for any kind of tool modification, no cutting of existing BJs, and no removal of brake lines (other than temporarily removing abs bracket).

I'm not going to write everything out since unless people want me to.. It's worth noting that I put both new upper ball joints in the freezer before installing.

Free tools you need to rent from Autozone:

1. 3-Jaw Puller
2. Large Pitman Puller
3. Ball Joint Press/Remover "Master Kit" (You will only need the sleeves from this kit)

Here's the removal setup:



3-jaw puller with ~3" sleeve that was included with the Autozone "Master Ball Joint" kit..

and here's the installation setup:



Here I used the large Pitman Puller, along with ~1" open sleeve that was also included with "Master Ball Joint" kit from Autozone. You will need to put a flat piece of metal between the puller and the new BJ, I used a pry bar.

 

[Rwm514]

thx for the writeup and pics, I want to do this when I replace my lbj's.

 

[infamousRNR]

good stuff! thanks for the share! I will be trying this method soon with total chaos gussets in the way. I'm hoping we get em' out ok

 

[Jungoes]

I was half way there and then cancelled removing them.. after pressing out the ubj from the upper control arm the ball joint was stiff .. zero play.. so i just re-packed with grease and reinstalled,
i tried what you did above but I still could not get the 7-tonne 3 jaw to fit,
I'm building a hydraulic press that will take care of the UBJ when i do my bearings and have the knuckle completely out.

My reasoning for changing the UBJ is because i thought they were the cause of my front vibration when braking downhill.. rotor runout is in spec, new shocks, bushings fine, new lbj, i still get a gradual slow vibration when braking only from downhill.. i'm just going to ignore it.

 

[96DesertRat]

Dude. This absolutely saved my bacon. Thanks for posting!!

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[camryn.samples]

Very helpful thank you


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[96DesertRat]

Gave this a shot today. AutoZone didn't have the exact set so I had a mismash of O'Reilly's and AutoZone sets. Once I found the right combo of adapters it worked beautifully... Even got this nasty rust-seized piece out, after about a gallon of PB Blaster.

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[96DesertRat]

The 4Runner thanks you!

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[Berg cup]

That's some great information. Wish I had this before replacing mine. spent about 20-30 min torching those out :flamethrwoer2:

 

[NJ-4Runner]

Gave this a shot today. AutoZone didn't have the exact set so I had a mismash of O'Reilly's and AutoZone sets. Once I found the right combo of adapters it worked beautifully... Even got this nasty rust-seized piece out, after about a gallon of PB Blaster.

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Impressive......that looks likes it would never have come out!

 

[96DesertRat]

Impressive......that looks likes it would never have come out!

To be fair, I needed reinforcement on the passengers side. I'll include the setup I had to use for future reference for anyone who comes across this thread. The large press CAN fit in the wheel well, but you'll have to remove the fender liner and accept tight working conditions and little room to work the wrench. Apply extra patience and it can work.

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[96DesertRat]

Removal set up

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[96DesertRat]

Extends way up into the fender well

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[96DesertRat]

Installation set up. Precious little room at the bottom of the press to attach the wrench to. Working room only allowed about an inch to two inches of movement each rotation. Took a while but I needed the extra a** the bigger press provided. I had to remove caliper to make this work.

The gold piece of metal was something extra laying around in the garage. You just need a flat piece of metal to protect the bottom of the UBJ as noted by the OP.

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[96RedRunner]

Lot of equipment to do a UBJ.
I use a 4" cutoff wheel on old BJ stud, 3- jaw puller, two different size sockets, two hands.

 

[96DesertRat]

Lot of equipment to do a UBJ.

I use a 4" cutoff wheel on old BJ stud, 3- jaw puller, two different size sockets, two hands.

All rentals with full refund so all the same to me!

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[96RedRunner]

All rentals with full refund so all the same to me!

......

You don't need any of what tools were used for job. Who doesn't have a 3-jaw n 2 sockets lots of PB blaster maybe a map gas torch.

 

[96DesertRat]

I don't have a 3-jaw. I rented that too.

The 3-jaw worked fine on the driver's side but wasn't budging the passenger side, so I had to use the larger press. I just wanted to present another method in case someone reached the same point I did where the 3-jaw wasn't working.


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[Biggsy]

Is a 2 ton puller enough to get it out?