How to get ball joint off and new one on

[Bigheadedon]

So it can time to replace the drivers side ball joint in my 01 GT. I have everything out of the way but it wasn't until then i noticed that the original ball joint is rivited in. What's the best way to punch or drill those out? Also, how do I know where to drill bigger holes so the new ball joint can be bolted on? Or does that really matter if it isn't perfectly placed? Thanks!

 

[indygrandprix]

You have to drill them out. Its best if you have a drill press to make a straight thru hole. The hole does not need to be made bigger either. That will just cause alignment issues. Unless you just buy a control arm with a ball joint in it already.

 

[coolone]

You can drill them, the cost of a BJoint is about half what it would cost for an entirely new control arm. Decisions decisions...

 

[dsmuts]

Grind an x in them and then use an air hammer and chisel the head off the rivet then punch it though. With a good air compressor it'll take about 5 min.

 

[ILoveAudi]

Used a hand drill. Worked fine on mine!

 

[Curious]

just get a drill bit a little smaller than the head of the rivet and drill them out. the new one should come with bolts and you just bolt the new one in....

 

[Seachicken]

if the balljoint needs to be replaced what do the LCA's rubber bushing look like?

the balljoints on my car are good, the rubber bushing not so much........

 

[Slick2500]

Replacing just the ball joints on these cars is kind of dumb, because if the ball joint is shot I'm willing to bet the bushings aren't much better. Why not spend another $20-$25 and you can get the entire lower control arm with all new bushings. Save yourself some time and money and just get a lower control arm. Last I checked Rock Auto had the Moogs for like $42.