If you live in a rust environment and the castle nut is seized, I suggest you put a floor jack under the knuckle to put weight on the cone. It will help prevent the ball joint from spinning on you.
This is the best video ive seen on this particular subject. My castle nut had to be grinded off and I made the mistake of trying to get the ball joint off w/o an impact. Never again. So now im waiti g on someone to bring me one so i can complete this friggin thing.
It helps to use a floor jack under the knuckle to put some weight on the cone. The pressure will help keep it from spinning. If it’s rusted the impact will actually help break the rust free.
Thank you!! So helpful!!! Since many people wrote in various places that the ball joint they bought didn't fit for various reasons, I decided to buy ball joints from three different auto parts stores. Even my old mechanic who replaced the other ball joint 2 years ago said the part I bought didn't fit and I had to buy another. In the end, I only had to use one - from NAPA auto. Supposedly it is made by Dorman. My only small issue was reinstalling the new ball joint. None of the installation collars from the Powebuilt ball joint service kit really fit good enough. In the end, I used one of the collars that was super right and I had to file down rough edges on the inside of the collar and then I put some motor oil on the inside and also on the ball joint rubber as lubrication. Then I was just able to squeeze it over and around the ball joint without damaging the rubber boot. After I pulled it off I wiped off that motor oil. Great tip to buy C-clip ring removal tool. Thanks again. I never would have attempted this job without your video. P.S. I intentionally went slowly and it took about 3 hours.
Just did my ball joints yesterday on my Z. Omg I wish I had your ball joint press tool. I had to pull the entire spindle to get it in a press. You made the job look easy. Great vid! Subbed
Thanks For putting up this video. My Z1 ball joints just came in. Replacing both sides today. My 06' G35 Coupe has a like 68k original miles, and driver side starting to fail. Replacing the hub/bearing as well. Looking forward to bringing it back in spec.
thanks bro you have no idea how much you helped me i really like how you went through the sizes of everything so i could get all my tools together before hand
I found that turning the clamp upside down and lowering the rotor downwards gives you more leverage if you use and extension so that the ratchet is at shoulder/chest height instead of turning from the bottom. and using the longer cup labeled "installation cup" helps out a lot because it has one groove/slot (with no hole) for the metal clamping rod to insert into.
Great video man - well done. The only thing I'd add is put the thread lock on the threads before you put the nuts on - wanting thread lock to seep in is wishful thinking. Great job - just fantastic.
Awesome video!!! One thing I noticed, is when you removed a nut from lower control arm you tapped the bolt alone with not nut. If I could suggest maybe leaving the nut on the bolt, and bang/tap the nut instead of bolt alone.
Do you know what size is the cup that goes on top so it doesn’t touch the boot but aligns perfect with the lip? I have everything on I just don’t have the correct size cup for the top the other ones I have are either to big or they touch the boot:/ thanks in advance!
Sorry I couldn’t say what size, I got the kit they offer for rent and just went with that. One tip I would suggest is that they often have a kit with more pieces and one with less pieces, just go with the kit that has the most pieces. More than likely there should be a cup that fits.
@@ronelicea8727 I didnt buy the oem ones but local parts store should have oem spec. If you’re looking for something much better quality, I would suggest Z1.
Wow! That cone nut/spacer came off easy for you!!! I just did all the ball joints in the front for my g and it was a nightmare to get them off and not one of my parts came with that cone. I was able to get them off with a ball joint splitter and my upper a arm (think that’s what it’s called) actually had a smaller cone on it and ball joint splitter couldn’t get it. I had modified a brake line flanging clamp to get it off 😫😁
Hey I heard you say you had to bypass your heater core was there a reason for that I've got a 2003 infinity G35 and it keeps overheating if I keep it in drive but if I put it in slap shift and shifted to 5th gear it don't overheat And I noticed the people I bought it from had bypassed the heater core I just don't know if there is a reason for that
Awesome video, well explained! Do you remember what size cup you used to remove the ball joint? In the UK we can't rent them so want to ensure the kit I buy has the right size!
Pour up' another drink🍸 Mario!!! Thanks for the "how to video" jus did my 06 g35 (ball joint and lower control arms) easy enough, great tips! 👍 AZ. D.LOZ
Great video. Could you provide the torque (ft-lbs) for ball joint bolt, strut bolt, sway link bolt and the last one on the right. Thank you in advance.
This video was very helpful n informative. I Tried it just like you but it was in no way that easy for me. I got the old one out n I’m still trying to figure out how to put the new one in. The piece that goes over it to push it down sheered off the edge so now it has nothing to hold onto. N Idk how you tightened it with a ratchet mine will barely move with the biggest of breaker bars …. Just my luck I guess 🤦🏾♂️ nevertheless great video
Hey, just wanted to ask, was your steering affected at all after you did your suspension? did you need an alignment after? I just did my front and the steering wheel is off center and if pulls really hard when initiating a turn, pulls hard in the direction of the turn...fml
My car def needed an alignment after but it wasn’t that bad...I drove it without an alignment for weeks without issue. Seems very strange that it would cause such drastic alignment issues for you though.
Awesome walk through video bro! Well done! It’s time to change my ball joints as well. When I’m parking and turning my wheel all the way to the right or left I here a small pop/snap sound. Will do the swap soon. What ball joint replacement do you recommend? Online order or auto zone ok for the ball joints?
It depends how you’re using the car. If it’s mostly daily driving and occasional track use then autozone works perfect. Autozone has lifetime warranty so you can always replace again if they go bad. I’ve never had an autozone one go bad either. If you tracking the car a lot I would prob go with Z1 Motorsports.
MeetMario thank you bro for the reply! Appreciate you! I own a 08 G35s sedan 6MT FBO for three years and had 0 repairs/0 issues. This will be my first part swap. Maybe doing freeway pulls over time has worn out the ball joints.. it’s all good, my G is holding up excellent at 166,000 miles. #VQboyz
It would be recommended..... As bushings and ball joints wear it will change the geometry of the alignment. You could replace it and then monitor the tyre wear. But if you're replacing components on both sides, definitely get an alignment
You don’t need to remove all those bolts. You just need to remove the bolt on the bulb joint. Then the knuckle will drop. It will drop far enough to get underneath. But it’s best if you have a car lift if you don’t have a car lift, you’re gonna be on the ground lying down, trying to remove the ball joint with pressing with your hands and feet So please get a car lift if possible
@@meetmario6857 :) Quick question: What do you think of getting a bushing kit? Is it super complicated or just time consumer to push them in and out? Energy Suspension sells a poly bushing kit for a good price and i'm tempted to go that route...
Stephen R I’ve done bushings on my 240sx and I gotta say that’s a bit more difficult. So I’m guessing it’ll be somewhat similar on the 350z. No impossible and I did mine when I was still learning so it wasn’t easy but totally worth it if you plan on keeping your car for a long time.
Hey, just wanted to ask, was your steering affected at all after you did your suspension? did you need an alignment after? I just did my front and the steering wheel is off center and if pulls really hard when initiating a turn, pulls hard in the direction of the turn...fml
Isaac Garduno if you have everything and no issues probably 2 hours. The only issue I had was that autozone gave me a faulty balljoint so I left it over night and came back to it.
TheBoostAddiction hell yah bro, I got everything ready to go ! Going to tackle the job this weekend with my girl on her 350z. Anyways thanks for the quick reply and really appreciate the tutorial. Not too much moving, just a straight shot with good knowledge . Keep it up. Subscribed 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
andres ramos if you follow the video, you should be alright. It’ll really help if you have an impact gun. I did one side without it and it was tough man, so I said fuck that and went to go buy one for cheap at harbor freight and it really made a difference . 👍🏼 good luck bro
Isn't it best practice to replace the whole control arm components when worn anyway? Or is that simply unnecessary with consideration for what you demonstrate in this video? I have my doubts that every mechanic will be trained in the intricate use of the ball joint tools you've used here to make it cost effective.
If you live in a rust environment and the castle nut is seized, I suggest you put a floor jack under the knuckle to put weight on the cone. It will help prevent the ball joint from spinning on you.
My mans is loosing blood for this quality content. Thanks bro!
Please do more How to's. This video was not only really easy to follow, but you also listed items I didn't think of before starting this project.
Thank you sir 🙏🏽 the shop I went to swore I had to replace the entire knuckle cause replacing these was near impossible
This is the best video ive seen on this particular subject. My castle nut had to be grinded off and I made the mistake of trying to get the ball joint off w/o an impact. Never again. So now im waiti g on someone to bring me one so i can complete this friggin thing.
It helps to use a floor jack under the knuckle to put some weight on the cone. The pressure will help keep it from spinning. If it’s rusted the impact will actually help break the rust free.
Thank you!! So helpful!!! Since many people wrote in various places that the ball joint they bought didn't fit for various reasons, I decided to buy ball joints from three different auto parts stores. Even my old mechanic who replaced the other ball joint 2 years ago said the part I bought didn't fit and I had to buy another. In the end, I only had to use one - from NAPA auto. Supposedly it is made by Dorman. My only small issue was reinstalling the new ball joint. None of the installation collars from the Powebuilt ball joint service kit really fit good enough. In the end, I used one of the collars that was super right and I had to file down rough edges on the inside of the collar and then I put some motor oil on the inside and also on the ball joint rubber as lubrication. Then I was just able to squeeze it over and around the ball joint without damaging the rubber boot. After I pulled it off I wiped off that motor oil.
Great tip to buy C-clip ring removal tool.
Thanks again. I never would have attempted this job without your video. P.S. I intentionally went slowly and it took about 3 hours.
Just did my ball joints yesterday on my Z. Omg I wish I had your ball joint press tool. I had to pull the entire spindle to get it in a press. You made the job look easy. Great vid! Subbed
it's a rental tool at almost any auto store, free usually.
Great tutorial. Very easy to follow. I'll be replacing all the bushings and ball joints for my 06 g35 before my kids take it to college.
I’m doing both of my ball joints on my z and this was some some great tips and helpful video ✌️
YoniiBoi Agustin glad you found it helpful! Let me know how it goes!
@@meetmario6857 where did you get your ball joint tool ??
@@dejonbaker9262 autozone, but almost any parts store will rent them out free.
Thanks For putting up this video. My Z1 ball joints just came in. Replacing both sides today. My 06' G35 Coupe has a like 68k original miles, and driver side starting to fail. Replacing the hub/bearing as well. Looking forward to bringing it back in spec.
thanks bro you have no idea how much you helped me i really like how you went through the sizes of everything so i could get all my tools together before hand
i dont ever comment but his has to be the best how too video ive ever seen. thannk you
I found that turning the clamp upside down and lowering the rotor downwards gives you more leverage if you use and extension so that the ratchet is at shoulder/chest height instead of turning from the bottom. and using the longer cup labeled "installation cup" helps out a lot because it has one groove/slot (with no hole) for the metal clamping rod to insert into.
That’s exactly how I did mine
The “pour yourself a drink first” got me lol 😂 instantly subscribed
Great video man - well done. The only thing I'd add is put the thread lock on the threads before you put the nuts on - wanting thread lock to seep in is wishful thinking. Great job - just fantastic.
Yo, thank you for making this video. It really made the labor on my Z feel like labor of love.
Awesome video!!! One thing I noticed, is when you removed a nut from lower control arm you tapped the bolt alone with not nut. If I could suggest maybe leaving the nut on the bolt, and bang/tap the nut instead of bolt alone.
Yeah I prob shouldn’t have done that lol good catch!
I changed my lower control arm and for some reason i can't get the nut on enough to slide pin in . its crazy tight my impact gun wont go harder
I'm having the same issue bro... did u figure out what the problem was?
you need a stronger gun, 1200ft lb or more.
@@Runescape. yeah my gun was trash
did you find the issue?
Thx for the video bro only needed to watch how to take down the lower control arm 🙏🏾
Do you know what size is the cup that goes on top so it doesn’t touch the boot but aligns perfect with the lip? I have everything on I just don’t have the correct size cup for the top the other ones I have are either to big or they touch the boot:/ thanks in advance!
Sorry I couldn’t say what size, I got the kit they offer for rent and just went with that. One tip I would suggest is that they often have a kit with more pieces and one with less pieces, just go with the kit that has the most pieces. More than likely there should be a cup that fits.
@@meetmario6857 thank you! And yeah I can’t find the OEM ball joint anywhere do you know if they have to be oem ?
@@ronelicea8727 I didnt buy the oem ones but local parts store should have oem spec. If you’re looking for something much better quality, I would suggest Z1.
@@meetmario6857 thanks for all the help you earned yourself a sub! You have a great day sir.
@@ronelicea8727 🙏
I have a G35..You just saved me hundreds at a shop 🤝🤝
Bro my drinks look exactly like that when I’m working on my car did I make this? Big cubes in a whiskey glass is the best
Good video. I've tried 3 different kits and can't find a cup to fit it right. Bent the crap out of one of my presses. Idk
Very clear & elaborate video 👌
- your new subscriber
Wow! That cone nut/spacer came off easy for you!!! I just did all the ball joints in the front for my g and it was a nightmare to get them off and not one of my parts came with that cone. I was able to get them off with a ball joint splitter and my upper a arm (think that’s what it’s called) actually had a smaller cone on it and ball joint splitter couldn’t get it. I had modified a brake line flanging clamp to get it off 😫😁
Sometimes putting the ball joints in the freezer overnight and waiting till the last moment to put them can help quite a bit
I little bearing grease on the inner hole of the steering knuckle where the ball joint goes helps out with assembly
Thank you for sharing.... do this procedure work with the q50 as well?
Hey I heard you say you had to bypass your heater core was there a reason for that I've got a 2003 infinity G35 and it keeps overheating if I keep it in drive but if I put it in slap shift and shifted to 5th gear it don't overheat And I noticed the people I bought it from had bypassed the heater core I just don't know if there is a reason for that
Where you get the sleeve been trying to find one to find but haven’t had any luck
What size socket is the one u use to remove the ball joint ??!!! Please I need to now
How high up did u Jack your car to be able to fit the impact underneath?
I always try to jack it up as high as possible and that will depend on your jack stands and jack. But for sure just try to go as high as possible
@@meetmario6857 thx. U live in the South Florida area?
How long does it take on average to do one ball joint?
Awesome video, well explained! Do you remember what size cup you used to remove the ball joint? In the UK we can't rent them so want to ensure the kit I buy has the right size!
Sorry bro, I don’t recall the size. But if you get the new balljoint I would just measure for one that’s slightly bigger
It looked like the ball joint boot was twisted a little bit on the install did you notice that?
Pour up' another drink🍸 Mario!!! Thanks for the "how to video" jus did my 06 g35 (ball joint and lower control arms) easy enough, great tips! 👍
AZ.
D.LOZ
Great video. Could you provide the torque (ft-lbs) for ball joint bolt, strut bolt, sway link bolt and the last one on the right. Thank you in advance.
This video was very helpful n informative. I Tried it just like you but it was in no way that easy for me. I got the old one out n I’m still trying to figure out how to put the new one in. The piece that goes over it to push it down sheered off the edge so now it has nothing to hold onto. N Idk how you tightened it with a ratchet mine will barely move with the biggest of breaker bars …. Just my luck I guess 🤦🏾♂️ nevertheless great video
Loving the Hallowed be thy Name in the baCkground 🤘
What size is your Craftsman impact wrench? 1/2" ? What are its torque specs? Thanks.
Hey, just wanted to ask, was your steering affected at all after you did your suspension? did you need an alignment after? I just did my front and the steering wheel is off center and if pulls really hard when initiating a turn, pulls hard in the direction of the turn...fml
My car def needed an alignment after but it wasn’t that bad...I drove it without an alignment for weeks without issue.
Seems very strange that it would cause such drastic alignment issues for you though.
@@meetmario6857 they bent the tie rod or something lol
Where did you get the ball joint tool from?
Where’d you get the cup to go around the ball joint and not tear it
Extremely helpful vid thank you I will be doing mine soon
Davilas24 def a good time to do this upgrade. Be sure to get all the tools before hand cause it’ll save you a ton of time at the parts store!
Awesome walk through video bro! Well done! It’s time to change my ball joints as well. When I’m parking and turning my wheel all the way to the right or left I here a small pop/snap sound. Will do the swap soon. What ball joint replacement do you recommend? Online order or auto zone ok for the ball joints?
It depends how you’re using the car. If it’s mostly daily driving and occasional track use then autozone works perfect. Autozone has lifetime warranty so you can always replace again if they go bad. I’ve never had an autozone one go bad either. If you tracking the car a lot I would prob go with Z1 Motorsports.
MeetMario thank you bro for the reply! Appreciate you! I own a 08 G35s sedan 6MT FBO for three years and had 0 repairs/0 issues. This will be my first part swap. Maybe doing freeway pulls over time has worn out the ball joints.. it’s all good, my G is holding up excellent at 166,000 miles. #VQboyz
@@mj350gt2 that’s awesome bro!!! Let me know how to ball joint swap goes or if you have questions! Also, I got more VQ content coming!
MeetMario sweet bro! Have a Happy Halloween be safe 💀🤡🎃
@@mj350gt2 if you got autozone how are they holding up?
Do I need a alignment after replacing ball joint
It would be recommended..... As bushings and ball joints wear it will change the geometry of the alignment. You could replace it and then monitor the tyre wear. But if you're replacing components on both sides, definitely get an alignment
Can it be done with the upper ball joint? With Infinity g35?
what size snap ring pliers you used
lol i like how you said it’s easier to undo the sway bar end link first then proceeded to go to the strut first 🤣
Have any idea how to get rid of the dreaded 3.5 engine tick?
Do you need an alignment???
Thank you for making this! Great video, and super helpful!
does the cone go under the new rubbed cap??
What size cup is that 13:31
You wanna put your suspension under load before torquing it down.
Jus got mine nda mail from Amazon! Guna install mine next week wen I'm off frm work! 👌😎
You don’t need to remove all those bolts. You just need to remove the bolt on the bulb joint. Then the knuckle will drop. It will drop far enough to get underneath. But it’s best if you have a car lift if you don’t have a car lift, you’re gonna be on the ground lying down, trying to remove the ball joint with pressing with your hands and feet So please get a car lift if possible
appreciate you for this brotha 💪🏻💪🏻
Hell yeah just came home to my dad not being able to remove the ball joint off my z due to the bottom pin!!!
Where can I get that tool kit?
Autozone here in the west coast but almost any parts store rents them, good luck!
Thanks, this helped me a lot.
Can you do my Infiniti ex35?
What kind of impact gun
Thank you so much! Super helpful and well explained!
Superb tutorial man. 'm actually thinking of tackling this myself
Do it!!! Just set some extra time for this if it’s your daily! But totally doable
@@meetmario6857 :) Quick question: What do you think of getting a bushing kit? Is it super complicated or just time consumer to push them in and out? Energy Suspension sells a poly bushing kit for a good price and i'm tempted to go that route...
Stephen R I’ve done bushings on my 240sx and I gotta say that’s a bit more difficult. So I’m guessing it’ll be somewhat similar on the 350z. No impossible and I did mine when I was still learning so it wasn’t easy but totally worth it if you plan on keeping your car for a long time.
@@meetmario6857 Cool, thanks for the advise!! Now's actually a great time because I rarely need my car :)
Stephen R def a good time to do it! Good luck with the project!
Yeah I don’t even freaking know how you yours is going in so easy like that!
Where’d you get the cup ???
What kinda c clamp is that??? Link??
nice video man! much appreciated
Thank you !!! Saved me a lot of time and money . Did it myself on 06 g35 coupe
Thanks!! really appreciate the video!!
Hey I need help soo bad please reply
The strut bolt was fine - out doesn't come out because you have the wheel turned.
Thru out time on Utube, You about nailed it tho.... Ty
Question I’m replacing all front suspension on my g35. How I get the arm off that’s connected to the frame?
Hey, just wanted to ask, was your steering affected at all after you did your suspension? did you need an alignment after? I just did my front and the steering wheel is off center and if pulls really hard when initiating a turn, pulls hard in the direction of the turn...fml
Thank you very much to show us how to do this!!
"You just need to put a little dab on each bolt..." YEET!
Do you live in nor cal ? I’d pay you to do my ball joint lol
“Easy af” LMFAO okay
How long did it take you start to finish?
Isaac Garduno if you have everything and no issues probably 2 hours. The only issue I had was that autozone gave me a faulty balljoint so I left it over night and came back to it.
TheBoostAddiction hell yah bro, I got everything ready to go ! Going to tackle the job this weekend with my girl on her 350z. Anyways thanks for the quick reply and really appreciate the tutorial. Not too much moving, just a straight shot with good knowledge . Keep it up. Subscribed 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
@@ISAAC2860 how it go any tips bout to replace my also
andres ramos if you follow the video, you should be alright. It’ll really help if you have an impact gun. I did one side without it and it was tough man, so I said fuck that and went to go buy one for cheap at harbor freight and it really made a difference . 👍🏼 good luck bro
Hahahaha the intro! You need to start with a drink! Big facts! Hahaha thanks for the video!
Great video very informative and to the point
Thanks good info doing this tomorrow
Good luck!!
Soooo what’s the size
Exactly what I needed thanks
You da Man, thanks!
very helpful, thanks
Brand and still going?
Cheaper press kits?
Great video was thinking of taking on my own car lmao why dude talk with an upward inflection? He sounds like john waters from the Simpson lol
Isn't it best practice to replace the whole control arm components when worn anyway? Or is that simply unnecessary with consideration for what you demonstrate in this video? I have my doubts that every mechanic will be trained in the intricate use of the ball joint tools you've used here to make it cost effective.
appreciate the content bro
A perrro 💪🏾
Wehre can i bis this Press ?
Borrow at advance auto for 230$ they will give u your money back
Thank you for this video!!
Broo great vid
And Nissan wanted to charge me $2.1k to change these when the part is $50 on Z1 and it looks so easy
Thanks for your help 👍🏻
Thanks for the help brother
Thanks 🙏 for the Vid
👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾🤙🏾ty fam