I bought a XJ a few months back. When I bought it all I knew how to do is change a flat and change my oil. Finding your page has been the biggest help! It is hard learning all this stuff by myself so your videos have saved me. I am learning so much! I was able to change my ball joints out last night all by myself with the help of your video. I feel so accomplished. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
do not do it without replacing sleeve on bottom ball joint its very important its called an adjustment sleeve for a reason torque lower nut to 70-90 ft lbs Torque adjusting sleeve to 40 ft lbs Torque upper nut to 100 ft lbs Test knuckle turn. Effort not to exceed 26 lbs
I got that Jeep/Mopar adaptor and it worked great. My projects always seem to have a problem tho. I purchased 4 cheapo ball joints from Rock Auto, and once I installed the pass. side I realized that the upper BJ stud would not fit into the yoke/spindle hole all the way despite me cleaning it up real good. The lower BJ stud was way too long and the castle nut was very small and would not line up with the cotter pin hole, as if it needed a spacer or flat washers that my 94 ZJ does not come with. I screwed myself out of a refund by tossing the boxes away, so I oredered 4 Moog brand BJs and hope they will be more like the OE replacements. Cheapo BJs were 30.00 for all 4. Moog's are 133.00. I shared this post in case others order cheapo BJs, DON'T just order a name brand or get OE. I lost 30.00 on junk that didn't fit right.
Nice work and you just saved yourself $1000. I'm waiting for the adapters to come in the mail. Of course, I realized I needed them after everything was apart. While I wait, I replaced the axle shaft U joints. Both the bottom ball joints were shot, like yours. Looks like those are the ones to watch out for. And I have 145k miles. Also it helps to put a nut on threads if you're going to hit them. This protects the threads. Really solid work and narration.
Watched your video last night, ordered the adapter got it today, installed upper in under 5 minutes… mind you I spent 2 days and blew up a press trying to get both out and installing lower! Thanks man thanks man thanks man!!
Great video. I already did my passenger side since that was the bad side and now I just need to do the driver’s side. After that’s done I can book another appointment for an alignment then afterwards I can drive it as much as I want instead of avoiding premature wear on all the other front end parts I’ve replaced. For anyone reading this, definitely do listen to him about getting the special adapters because he’s not wrong when he says that those make it 10x easier. I’ve tried both methods
I'm doing this on my Ma's WJ and this was GREAT! I really feel like I can do it now. I now feel like I oughtta spring for the balljoint kit if my mechanic won't loan it to me.
I just did this over the weekend for a buddy, didnt realize there was a required tool until it was torn apart. I ended up having no issue with the lowers going back together, the upper i ended up freezing the ball joint over night and using a torch to heat up the bore. it worked pretty slick.
Great job. The key is the angled adapter. A torque wrench would be nice as well, specially on alloy wheels. Thank you! Local place wanted $945 per side, RockAuto Moog Ball joiunts were $145 for both sides. :)
This was going to be my job for the day, got the ball joints and hubs sitting in the kitchen. Think I'll order the adapter set first. Thanks for a surprisingly timely video.
Hey Austin, Great info on ball joints. I did this two years ago on mine and the Dana Spicer joints are great. Still holding up on 33s, a front locker, and a round trip from California to Moab Utah and back. I used to have an 89 XJ and I believe that threaded spacer was for the bottom ball joint to use as a preload. I think around 91 jeep stopped using those. I gotta get that ball joint set for future projects. Thanks!
Interesting, yeah because I've seen them forsure on there before, probably when I was working on my friends 87 xj, so that would make sense why I couldn't really see them here and thought they were rusted in.
Really good video. I ordered the ball joint adapters with the link you provided. They were only $34 Your video was easy to follow and very informative. I already had the ball joint press, but I'm taking your advice and ordered the adapters. I'm going with the Rough Country ball joints. Read and seen good reviews on these. Thanks again.
Already installed the RC ball joints with the recommended adapters. Everything went smooth. The ball joints in my case were seized, lack of maintenance, my bad. But being that I live in Southwest Texas the ball joints came out relatively easy, no rust at all on this 23 year old TJ.Thanks again for all your input. Take care. By the way originally from West Allis, Wisc. Moved to Texas in 1980.
Great vid, I wanted to see which adapters you used so thank you my only suggestion would be to grab a torque wrench. Lug nuts, ball joints, hub bolts all need a specific torque. 👍
Berlin Badger It shouldn’t be too hard. My drivers side upper balljoint definitely needs to be replaced. I’m going to knock it out before I get new tires here shortly.
Hoping I don't have to just yet, but watching this did make me mindful of at least checking mine as I'm unsure of the last time they were replaced. With how my jeep has been the past year, it wouldn't surprise me if they weren't far from the grave as well
Thanks for the helpful video. Concerning the ball joint press... Besides the obvious cost savings what is the difference between your kit and the more expensive model? Curious to know if the upgraded kit would include a more comprehensive supply of spacers/adapters.
I used a hammer, set it on the steering knuckle and hammered on the hammer. Helps keep the knuckle from getting beat up a little. Pain in the butt if your the only one working, and also i had to use a big ass 8 pound sledge as everything was rusted.
Thank you for mentioning the angled piece, I had no idea... the rat bastards at A1 Auto never mentioned this!!! I could tell things weren't right as i was going and pressed it back out easy enough, but I wasted an hour going back and forth trying to align the ball joint in the hole. Once I found your vid the ball joint dropped in like I knew what I was doing (cause now I do, lol).
How many uggaduggas for the nuts? is there a certain torque? I noticed you just did a good tug on them to tighten them? retightening needed after a few miles? Getting ready to do my WJ ones. My camber makes kids rice rockets jealous! (and i'm terrified of deathwobble...) Thanks for the video!!!
Hi, very nice and helpful video. I have a question, How do I know that the ball joints are failing? is there a sound or play that I can check in order to evaluate the condition of them?
Your tires might wear unevenly on the inside edge and you might have a play in the steering or wobble driving down the road. You can test them to see if they are bad by jacking up one corner of the vehicle and pry the tire up from the ground and look for movement between the steering knuckle and the axle at the ball-joint location.
Hey man I don’t know if you’ll reply but I have a problem with mine the ball joint seems to be the exact same size but it doesn’t fit my snap ring on it’s that ok or do I get another set my old ones didn’t have them on I think Also unless it came off
Great video 👍👍 I have a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport and when ball Joints go bad do they make a popping noise and cause the "Death Wobble"? that's what my Jeep is doing right now.
@@toddrhine7648 I meant the front axle style with either a Dana 44 or Dana 30. They both can also come in a High pinion or Low pinion. A 1993 Grand cherokee should have a Dana 30 Low pinion axle so this process will be the same for you.
@@OutJeeping Thx much for responding back, really appreciate it. Another ? for yah. I need to change out the stock fuel injectors (single port) and upgrade to a 4 port. Where can I go online to find the "CORRECT" ones & reputable/honest place for my application? Been to different places and they all say different injectors for my application. I think they are just pushing me for what they have on hand. I just want a decent set with no problems. I think mine r the 39psi at rail, not sure tho as my motor/ jeep was manufactured in "February of 1993" witch ppl say there was a difference in the Fuel pressure rating. Hope you can help me as no one else answers me with my comments. Thx so much again for your help!
I'm replacing my axles and hubs, and now it looks like it makes sense to do the ball joints at the same time. But wouldn't it then make sense to do the axle seals at the same time. Not to mention the fact that I need front brake pads. And wouldn't my new calipers. Hmmm 1996 ZJ 5.2 4x4
What ball joints y'all used and had good life and performance. I got 33s and don't plan on going any bigger for a long time if at all. I'm looking at Spicer and they are 159 for all four but if something adjustable or rebuildable can be had for a lil more I'd rather go that route. I see many options and some are extremely pricey so just wanna know what y'all have experience with
I have had the best performance and longevity for stock replacements using spicer ball joints. If you are looking for something more serviceable and rebuildable I would look into Teraflex or Dynatrac. Personally I have always stuck with Spicer but may go with Teraflex on a build in the future.
@@OutJeeping I think those prices are far apart lol. But the stock ones lasted 210k miles. It is lifted with 33s now but it should be fine until I do tons
I was looking at the sun visor video. I have been at junk yards looking for a replacement, but I like the idea of just customizing them. For this video,? Are you using a heavy duty press? I am still learning about the automotive field.
Hey Austin thanks for another great video. So I am looking to buy new steering knuckles for my 98 XJ, and I am having a hell of a time finding any info about that lower balljoint sleeve- the one you were planning to replace, but the existing is rusted in place. I am assuming if I buy new knuckes I need to insert those sleeves into the hole where the lower ball joint comes though. Can you please offer a little guidance on this? I literally can't find anything anywhere, including the Haynes manual. Thanks in advance...
I found out later that the lower balljoint sleeve was used on older dana 30 axles on jeeps. Not sure on the exact year but I think early 90's and down. With your jeep being a 98 you should have to worry about them as the knuckle itself is machined with a taper.
Issue with a 2000 xj ignition. Battery drain. With the key out of the ignition the interior lights are on, and the radio stays on and the windows have power. I think it's the lock cylinder. The key comes out in any position. Also it’s an after market radio not the original.
Sounds like a worn-out key cylinder, my red XJ has the same issue where the key could pull out in any position. I just make sure that it's in the correct off position. You can do so by rotating the key all the way back and then one click forward should be off. If it still doesn't turn off then you have a bad ignition switch.
Just wondering, as it seems like a good idea when doing any of the axle components like the ball joints, it would also be a good time to do the bearings, u-joints and seals(if any). Do you know of any places (Rock Auto) that offers a kit with all the parts in one package (both sides)? Thinking of doing all at the same time (both sides) as I will be using my XJ to tow my retirement home, a cargo trailer camper conversion, and it seems like a good idea to take care of these things before I hit the road. Project Bumble Jeep has 200k plus miles and I want it to be reliable. Great job documenting this. God bless.
@@OutJeeping Your suggestion for best source? I usually deal with Advance Auto. But if you don't mind the wait (usually short, maybe 1-2 days) Rock blow their prices out of the water.
How long did this take you to do across both sides? I'm planning to replace my inner axle seals, and ball joints this weekend, and want to figure out if I need one day, or two. Cheers!
OutJeeping thank you! Your videos are great. If you ever have the chance, a video about how to change the seals in a two piece Dana 30 with vac DC would be great. I’m working on my Jeep now, and there’s nothing out there, except conversions to one piece.
Possible loose steering and/or death wobble, excessive tire wear/noise, looking at the front and you could also see the tire not perfectly straight up and down.
Man, you need to get some heat in that garage. Seeing your breath is making me cold too! Just a little electric space heater on the floor aimed at your work area does wonders.
Any tips on what to do if there is too much of a gap where the ball joint presses in? I was thinking maybe using a punch to just rough it up a bit? Any suggestions?
Hey, i need help. I got one Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD, 6 cylinders. Why the New Lower Ball Joint won't stay in the hole arm? I try another brands and still the same. If anybody ever had this problem before. Thank you for your help.
Have you tried Moog or Spicer? What year is your Jeep? Sometimes if the old balljoint was replaced before, aftermarket ones may expand the hole more to get a better fit. But now that it went bad, it left the hole larger.
very similar to all solid axle ball joints. not sure what axle u have in your wagoneer, but if is it the stock d44 than it is the *exact* same advance auto and auto zone has a "free tool rental program". just pay for the tool, use it, and return it for a full refund. great if need to rental tool and dont want to not buy it. just make sure you specify that you want the rental tool and not buy a new one
@@ottonielbp yea, Austin is correct, the ball joints are in the knuckles. my mistake, it will be a similar job though... just remember, there is probably a *snap ring that will need removed* on one of the ball joints! if they are really stuck in there, heat the steering knuckle to a few hundred degrees, spay some penetrating oil onto the ball joint (only on the ball joint to cool just the joint and not the knuckle), and even peck the knuckle after its hot and while the press is applying force
advance auto and auto zone has a "free tool rental program". just pay for the tool, use it, and return it for a full refund. great if need to rental tool and dont want to not buy it. just make sure you specify that you want the rental tool and not buy a new one
@@OutJeeping i was mentioning for the people that might only need to change ball joints once every 10-20 years... and i do buy most tools. but like to barrow some. i have had some ball joints so difficult to get out that i bent the tool on the first day. it was nice to just return the damaged tool instead of eat the cost... thank you for all of the xj videos you take the time to do !
I bought a XJ a few months back. When I bought it all I knew how to do is change a flat and change my oil. Finding your page has been the biggest help! It is hard learning all this stuff by myself so your videos have saved me. I am learning so much! I was able to change my ball joints out last night all by myself with the help of your video. I feel so accomplished. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I found this channel maybe a year ago. Still my favorite by far.
You're the only RUclips channel to give the size of the upper and lower ball joint nut. I love you.
Love you to brah
Project Dan H - Dan! We were just researching taking out lower and upper and found this video! And found my buddy Dan!! 😀
@@GoatOffroad LMAO! Love you too Bug 🤣❤️💪🍦
do not do it without replacing sleeve on bottom ball joint its very important
its called an adjustment sleeve for a reason
torque lower nut to 70-90 ft lbs
Torque adjusting sleeve to 40 ft lbs
Torque upper nut to 100 ft lbs
Test knuckle turn. Effort not to exceed 26 lbs
Good job bud! I really like seeing the younger generation doing so well cranking wrenches!! 👍😀👍
I got that Jeep/Mopar adaptor and it worked great. My projects always seem to have a problem tho. I purchased 4 cheapo ball joints from Rock Auto, and once I installed the pass. side I realized that the upper BJ stud would not fit into the yoke/spindle hole all the way despite me cleaning it up real good. The lower BJ stud was way too long and the castle nut was very small and would not line up with the cotter pin hole, as if it needed a spacer or flat washers that my 94 ZJ does not come with. I screwed myself out of a refund by tossing the boxes away, so I oredered 4 Moog brand BJs and hope they will be more like the OE replacements. Cheapo BJs were 30.00 for all 4. Moog's are 133.00. I shared this post in case others order cheapo BJs, DON'T just order a name brand or get OE. I lost 30.00 on junk that didn't fit right.
Nice work and you just saved yourself $1000. I'm waiting for the adapters to come in the mail. Of course, I realized I needed them after everything was apart. While I wait, I replaced the axle shaft U joints.
Both the bottom ball joints were shot, like yours. Looks like those are the ones to watch out for. And I have 145k miles.
Also it helps to put a nut on threads if you're going to hit them. This protects the threads.
Really solid work and narration.
I was just saying I had to knock this out. Thanks for saving me the headache of working with the wrong tools!
Watched your video last night, ordered the adapter got it today, installed upper in under 5 minutes… mind you I spent 2 days and blew up a press trying to get both out and installing lower! Thanks man thanks man thanks man!!
Great video. I already did my passenger side since that was the bad side and now I just need to do the driver’s side. After that’s done I can book another appointment for an alignment then afterwards I can drive it as much as I want instead of avoiding premature wear on all the other front end parts I’ve replaced.
For anyone reading this, definitely do listen to him about getting the special adapters because he’s not wrong when he says that those make it 10x easier. I’ve tried both methods
I'm doing this on my Ma's WJ and this was GREAT! I really feel like I can do it now. I now feel like I oughtta spring for the balljoint kit if my mechanic won't loan it to me.
I've been following your videos for a year now and it's cool to see someone from Wisconsin doing this!
Wisconsin....?
@@FreAkLeFtY555 yes wisconsin. Look at the rocker panels 🤣 this is our winter sh*t hole
I just did this over the weekend for a buddy, didnt realize there was a required tool until it was torn apart. I ended up having no issue with the lowers going back together, the upper i ended up freezing the ball joint over night and using a torch to heat up the bore. it worked pretty slick.
ive rewatched this so many times over the past year or so. always helps!
Well done mate and I have a 2020 ford ranger wildtrak greetings from Slovenia 🇸🇮🙂
Thanks a ton, great video. I bought the kit but I wasn't sure how to use it. I really appreciate that you made this :)
Your video, AutoZone kit, 45 min out and in... Thanks again...
Out-freakin-standing! Nice job explaining and showing EVERY step and tool used! Subbed.
Great video! Did it, and the ball joints I got were splined, and were a bit tougher to install. Definitely worth all the effort !
Well Done very descriptive and no unneeded content!
Perfect timing! I'm just about to do this on my XJ ... Keep it up!
Great job. The key is the angled adapter. A torque wrench would be nice as well, specially on alloy wheels. Thank you! Local place wanted $945 per side, RockAuto Moog Ball joiunts were $145 for both sides. :)
This was going to be my job for the day, got the ball joints and hubs sitting in the kitchen. Think I'll order the adapter set first. Thanks for a surprisingly timely video.
Dude,cheater bar is your best friend working on jeeps.safe your back young man.
Good video. Good amount of detail, without being too long. Thanks!
I’m learning so much from you Austin hope you continue 🤙
Hey Austin,
Great info on ball joints. I did this two years ago on mine and the Dana Spicer joints are great. Still holding up on 33s, a front locker, and a round trip from California to Moab Utah and back. I used to have an 89 XJ and I believe that threaded spacer was for the bottom ball joint to use as a preload. I think around 91 jeep stopped using those. I gotta get that ball joint set for future projects. Thanks!
Interesting, yeah because I've seen them forsure on there before, probably when I was working on my friends 87 xj, so that would make sense why I couldn't really see them here and thought they were rusted in.
Really good video. I ordered the ball joint adapters with the link you provided. They were only $34
Your video was easy to follow and very informative. I already had the ball joint press, but I'm taking your advice and ordered the adapters. I'm going with the Rough Country ball joints. Read and seen good reviews on these.
Thanks again.
Didn't know RC made balljoints.
Already installed the RC ball joints with the recommended adapters. Everything went smooth. The ball joints in my case were seized, lack of maintenance, my bad. But being that I live in Southwest Texas the ball joints came out relatively easy, no rust at all on this 23 year old TJ.Thanks again for all your input. Take care. By the way originally from West Allis, Wisc. Moved to Texas in 1980.
I'm so glad I found your channel! I gotta do my ball joints on a 96 Jeep Cherokee and could figure out how to do it and now I do !
Great vid, I wanted to see which adapters you used so thank you my only suggestion would be to grab a torque wrench. Lug nuts, ball joints, hub bolts all need a specific torque. 👍
I agree, I do that as much as I can now with a new torque wrench.
Great job I learned a lot good job my man! thank you very much.
This is perfect, I was just about to do this on my 01 XJ. Great video!
DCarter355 01 XJ, you must be a glutton for punishment like me!
Berlin Badger It shouldn’t be too hard. My drivers side upper balljoint definitely needs to be replaced. I’m going to knock it out before I get new tires here shortly.
DCarter355 ohhh I wasn’t just referring to the ball joints... I was referring to the joys of owning an 01!!!
@@berlinbadger6725 LMAO
good work man....very helpful video
did so well up untill the end haha.. nah i know them wheel nuts are weak man! good info will be doing this soon!!! 👍👍👌
Hoping I don't have to just yet, but watching this did make me mindful of at least checking mine as I'm unsure of the last time they were replaced. With how my jeep has been the past year, it wouldn't surprise me if they weren't far from the grave as well
Thanks for the helpful video. Concerning the ball joint press... Besides the obvious cost savings what is the difference between your kit and the more expensive model? Curious to know if the upgraded kit would include a more comprehensive supply of spacers/adapters.
also curious
Gonna be rebuilding our d30. Thanks for sharing
...
I used a hammer, set it on the steering knuckle and hammered on the hammer. Helps keep the knuckle from getting beat up a little. Pain in the butt if your the only one working, and also i had to use a big ass 8 pound sledge as everything was rusted.
I could literally hear the drag link tie rod say "wtf mannnnnn" when the steering knuckle came free lol
September 2022 and this 45 year old New Mexican thanks you.
Made it look easy! Now time to do mine
Good video. Learning a lot. Just got a 96 xj and the entire steering tie rods ball joints are all wore out
Some auto parts stores have these Ball joint press kits, free for public use , just call ahead and schedule them for use.
Nice piece of job I like it.
Awesome tutorial, thanks.
Great video. So did it take you about an hour or so to do both ball joints.
Thank you for mentioning the angled piece, I had no idea... the rat bastards at A1 Auto never mentioned this!!! I could tell things weren't right as i was going and pressed it back out easy enough, but I wasted an hour going back and forth trying to align the ball joint in the hole. Once I found your vid the ball joint dropped in like I knew what I was doing (cause now I do, lol).
How many uggaduggas for the nuts? is there a certain torque? I noticed you just did a good tug on them to tighten them? retightening needed after a few miles? Getting ready to do my WJ ones. My camber makes kids rice rockets jealous! (and i'm terrified of deathwobble...) Thanks for the video!!!
Thanks for the link!
Hi, very nice and helpful video. I have a question, How do I know that the ball joints are failing? is there a sound or play that I can check in order to evaluate the condition of them?
Your tires might wear unevenly on the inside edge and you might have a play in the steering or wobble driving down the road. You can test them to see if they are bad by jacking up one corner of the vehicle and pry the tire up from the ground and look for movement between the steering knuckle and the axle at the ball-joint location.
@@OutJeeping thank you I appreciate it
Hey man I don’t know if you’ll reply but I have a problem with mine the ball joint seems to be the exact same size but it doesn’t fit my snap ring on it’s that ok or do I get another set my old ones didn’t have them on I think Also unless it came off
Great video 👍👍 I have a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport and when ball Joints go bad do they make a popping noise and cause the "Death Wobble"? that's what my Jeep is doing right now.
They can... that can also be your wheel bearing so you’ll want to do that too
I’ve heard it would be do to the shock on the track bar?
Great job there. Would this be the same way as doing a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo I6 4.0 also with that same ball joint kit? Thx much
Yup should be the same process with either the Low/high pinion dana 30/44 that came in all jeep models in the 90's.
@@OutJeeping Not sure about what you say about Low/high pinion 30/44? Meaning if mine is the same from stock.
@@toddrhine7648 I meant the front axle style with either a Dana 44 or Dana 30. They both can also come in a High pinion or Low pinion. A 1993 Grand cherokee should have a Dana 30 Low pinion axle so this process will be the same for you.
@@OutJeeping Thx much for responding back, really appreciate it. Another ? for yah. I need to change out the stock fuel injectors (single port) and upgrade to a 4 port. Where can I go online to find the "CORRECT" ones & reputable/honest place for my application? Been to different places and they all say different injectors for my application. I think they are just pushing me for what they have on hand. I just want a decent set with no problems. I think mine r the 39psi at rail, not sure tho as my motor/ jeep was manufactured in "February of 1993" witch ppl say there was a difference in the Fuel pressure rating. Hope you can help me as no one else answers me with my comments. Thx so much again for your help!
Excellent video thank you
Great video. Will this apply on my 1980 CJ5 Renegade with the Dana 30 front axle? Thanks!! Mark Feuerherdt.
Yup, should be the same exact process. The brakes setup and knuckle may be a little different thought, nut same process for the ball joints.
I'm replacing my axles and hubs, and now it looks like it makes sense to do the ball joints at the same time. But wouldn't it then make sense to do the axle seals at the same time. Not to mention the fact that I need front brake pads. And wouldn't my new calipers.
Hmmm
1996 ZJ 5.2 4x4
I mean if your going in to replace a few items it makes since to just go through everything and replace them.
what brand did you buy I need to do this can't decide what brand to go with, awesome videos btw you explain thing super great !!!
I went with Spicer, it's an oem replacement.
and thanks for the video it was well done
Maybe I'm wrong. But I've always just hammered ball joints in and out. Never had an issue.
I've done that as well in the past. From my experience using a press is so much easier.
Thanks for the DIY.. New sub.
What ball joints y'all used and had good life and performance. I got 33s and don't plan on going any bigger for a long time if at all. I'm looking at Spicer and they are 159 for all four but if something adjustable or rebuildable can be had for a lil more I'd rather go that route. I see many options and some are extremely pricey so just wanna know what y'all have experience with
I have had the best performance and longevity for stock replacements using spicer ball joints. If you are looking for something more serviceable and rebuildable I would look into Teraflex or Dynatrac. Personally I have always stuck with Spicer but may go with Teraflex on a build in the future.
@@OutJeeping I think those prices are far apart lol. But the stock ones lasted 210k miles. It is lifted with 33s now but it should be fine until I do tons
I was looking at the sun visor video. I have been at junk yards looking for a replacement, but I like the idea of just customizing them.
For this video,? Are you using a heavy duty press? I am still learning about the automotive field.
Nope just standard size, I got a link in the description if you want to check it out
OutJeeping thank you. A lot cheaper than other places I looked. 😁😁
Well done is right, thanks... I will be DIY my CJ5 soon
Hey Austin thanks for another great video. So I am looking to buy new steering knuckles for my 98 XJ, and I am having a hell of a time finding any info about that lower balljoint sleeve- the one you were planning to replace, but the existing is rusted in place. I am assuming if I buy new knuckes I need to insert those sleeves into the hole where the lower ball joint comes though. Can you please offer a little guidance on this? I literally can't find anything anywhere, including the Haynes manual. Thanks in advance...
I found out later that the lower balljoint sleeve was used on older dana 30 axles on jeeps. Not sure on the exact year but I think early 90's and down. With your jeep being a 98 you should have to worry about them as the knuckle itself is machined with a taper.
@@OutJeeping Thanks man- really getting a lot out of the tuts. Pulled the ball joints today!
Issue with a 2000 xj ignition. Battery drain.
With the key out of the ignition the interior lights are on, and the radio stays on and the windows have power.
I think it's the lock cylinder. The key comes out in any position.
Also it’s an after market radio not the original.
Sounds like a worn-out key cylinder, my red XJ has the same issue where the key could pull out in any position. I just make sure that it's in the correct off position. You can do so by rotating the key all the way back and then one click forward should be off. If it still doesn't turn off then you have a bad ignition switch.
Just wondering, as it seems like a good idea when doing any of the axle components like the ball joints, it would also be a good time to do the bearings, u-joints and seals(if any). Do you know of any places (Rock Auto) that offers a kit with all the parts in one package (both sides)? Thinking of doing all at the same time (both sides) as I will be using my XJ to tow my retirement home, a cargo trailer camper conversion, and it seems like a good idea to take care of these things before I hit the road. Project Bumble Jeep has 200k plus miles and I want it to be reliable. Great job documenting this. God bless.
I haven't seen any kits with all of the front end axle components together. Unfortunately you just have to order them all separate.
@@OutJeeping Thanks, I figured that would be the case.
@@OutJeeping Your suggestion for best source? I usually deal with Advance Auto. But if you don't mind the wait (usually short, maybe 1-2 days) Rock blow their prices out of the water.
Got this adapter and it just wobbles around on ball joint so wolnt press in straight
Do you know if Advanced auto or AutoZone has the correct kit to borrow to install?
I know they rent ball joint presses and they do offer the balljoint adapters but i'm not sure if they have them for rent.
Where do you get those ball joint removal tools at?
Walter he has two links under his video. One for the press and the other for the adapters.
The guy from bleeeping jeeep bored the shit outa me. You did a better job demonstrating the task and you used the correct tool.
The second link doesn’t lead to a product that looks like the adapters that you had in the video. Could you please check and advise?
The link is fixed, thanks for letting me know
The link for the adapters is sending me to an electrical pin removal kit. Possible that it might have changed again.
Damn buddy , Great job ... I have a 93 ZJ 4X4 V-8 where u at i will prob . need help lol
Lol in Wisconsin
I didn't realize you were part of bleepinjeep. You're better off doing your own thing like you are
Yeah I was with them for a year and a half then things abruptly ended not to my liking. So yeah its definitely better having my own channel.
How long did this take you to do across both sides? I'm planning to replace my inner axle seals, and ball joints this weekend, and want to figure out if I need one day, or two. Cheers!
Probably 3 hours total with everything coming apart nicely.
OutJeeping thank you! Your videos are great. If you ever have the chance, a video about how to change the seals in a two piece Dana 30 with vac DC would be great. I’m working on my Jeep now, and there’s nothing out there, except conversions to one piece.
Excellent.
Does the angled adapter come with the tool kit . The link took me to a another type of tool
It does not, the link likes to keep changing on me
What year is your jeep ?? Also do I need that angle to press in for a 2003 grand jeep cherokee???
Mine is a 1999, but yes you will have to use the angle adapter to change the ball joints.
So it isn't a straight shot huh not good thanks tho
How do know where to line the angle adapter for to top ball joint???
What are some symptoms of worn ball joints when doing highway driving?
Possible loose steering and/or death wobble, excessive tire wear/noise, looking at the front and you could also see the tire not perfectly straight up and down.
Man, you need to get some heat in that garage. Seeing your breath is making me cold too! Just a little electric space heater on the floor aimed at your work area does wonders.
Yeah I got a big propane heater to heat my garage but I think I ran out while I was filming the video.
Where do I find these ball joints. Can’t find them and the ones that look similar I’m not sure are the right ones. Anyone have a link?
Visit rockauto.com and plug in your vehicle info and search ball joints, from there you should find Spicer/Dana ball joints.
wheres the link to the ball joint press with correct angled adapter ?
www.amazon.com/Ball-Joint-Service-Adapter-Dodge/dp/B07DJ5JTW7/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1B8WLKKGIC8HT&dchild=1&keywords=jeep+ball+joint+adapter&qid=1605576980&sprefix=jeep+ball+%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-3
Lower ball joint didn't seem flush with the knuckle. Is that an issue?
It should have a little angle from the top but should seat all the way in when looking from the bottom.
so to be clear use the angle peice on top and bottom joints?
Yes, I use the angle piece on both upper and lower joints to install the new joints back in the knuckle.
@@OutJeeping thank you sir.
Nice.
Nice job Austin.I need to buy that adapter set,looks like it is well worth the $45.00.....
Looks cold in there austin haha
I've had it with winter
i always appreciate your videos more because its always looking freezing cold
Next time just slide a pipe over your breaker barfor leverage. Nice video
fere good👍👍
Any tips on what to do if there is too much of a gap where the ball joint presses in? I was thinking maybe using a punch to just rough it up a bit? Any suggestions?
Hope you see this today. Do you know the part number for the tool kit.
Link is in the description for tools.
It was good but you should of taken off the tie rod so you can fully remove it. You have it hanging. Good video
HOW MUCH WOULD LABOR COST FOR A JOB LIKE THIS IN A SHOP?
DEPENDS ON WHAT SHOP, MAYBE $500-$1000
Torque wrench, pfff, right TIGHTY!
Working on vehicles in the cold is not easy
Hey, i need help. I got one Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD, 6 cylinders. Why the New Lower Ball Joint won't stay in the hole arm? I try another brands and still the same. If anybody ever had this problem before. Thank you for your help.
Have you tried Moog or Spicer? What year is your Jeep? Sometimes if the old balljoint was replaced before, aftermarket ones may expand the hole more to get a better fit. But now that it went bad, it left the hole larger.
Can someone who had this angled cup put an angle finder on it and tell me degree
This procedure applys too for a Jeep Wagoneer 78 ?
very similar to all solid axle ball joints. not sure what axle u have in your wagoneer, but if is it the stock d44 than it is the *exact* same
advance auto and auto zone has a "free tool rental program". just pay for the tool, use it, and return it for a full refund. great if need to rental tool and dont want to not buy it. just make sure you specify that you want the rental tool and not buy a new one
It should be pretty similar but depending on how old the Dana 44 is, the ball joints may be pressed into the knuckle rather than the axle.
@@MrMrsregor thanks for the information!
@@OutJeeping thanks i will use a manual hidraulic press to extract and put in again!
@@ottonielbp yea, Austin is correct, the ball joints are in the knuckles. my mistake, it will be a similar job though...
just remember, there is probably a *snap ring that will need removed* on one of the ball joints! if they are really stuck in there, heat the steering knuckle to a few hundred degrees, spay some penetrating oil onto the ball joint (only on the ball joint to cool just the joint and not the knuckle), and even peck the knuckle after its hot and while the press is applying force
It would be very helpful if you would include part numbers of the parts you install.
should have used the new insert, you use it to set the preload on the ball joint. not always the same on the new ones.
Yeah I know that now but on the newer style Knuckles like the one in the video they don't use those inserts oh, that's why I didn't see them.
@@OutJeeping makes sense.
14:56. I was wondering wtf that was when I did mine.
About how long is this job ?
About 3 hours or so if it all goes smoothly.
advance auto and auto zone has a "free tool rental program". just pay for the tool, use it, and return it for a full refund. great if need to rental tool and dont want to not buy it. just make sure you specify that you want the rental tool and not buy a new one
I am aware of that but they usually dont come with a 4wd angled adapters. Plus for how cheap it is online why not just buy for projects down the road.
@@OutJeeping i was mentioning for the people that might only need to change ball joints once every 10-20 years...
and i do buy most tools. but like to barrow some. i have had some ball joints so difficult to get out that i bent the tool on the first day. it was nice to just return the damaged tool instead of eat the cost...
thank you for all of the xj videos you take the time to do !