Remove lower control arm ball joint.

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Tander
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Remove lower control arm ball joint.

Post by Tander »

Howzit guys,

So, I am working on a friend's Mazda 3 (2006 model) - I need to pull the hub assembly away from the control arm, in order to full the drive shaft clear.

The problem I am facing now is, I have removed the bolt holding the LCA to the hub - however when I push the control arm down, (Pulling the ball joint away from the hub) - it doesn't go down far enough to pull the hub from the ball joint - the LCA just wants to spring back into place - which I find odd.

I tried jacking the hub assembly up and hoping this would give enough room to clean the ball join from the hub - but this just 'locks' the ball joint into place and I am unable to move it at all.

Any suggestions?

Thanks guys

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Re: Remove lower control arm ball joint.

Post by Killerwatt »

is there an anti roll bar connected to the lca? if so then disconnect it.
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Tander
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Re: Remove lower control arm ball joint.

Post by Tander »

Killerwatt wrote:is there an anti roll bar connected to the lca? if so then disconnect it.
As far as I can see, nothing is connected to the LCA besides the hub at the ball joint (Bottom of the hub) - I removed stabilizer and tie rods - just the last one needs to be removed now! :mad:

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Re: Remove lower control arm ball joint.

Post by SHAUN »

Balljoint popper.
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You clearly have more balls than me.
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Tander
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Re: Remove lower control arm ball joint.

Post by Tander »

SHAUN wrote:Balljoint popper.
I don't want to remove the ball joint it self - just want the hub away from the LCA so I can pull the drive shaft out.

Current Rides:
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2006 Polo 9N3 - 1.6i
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Re: Remove lower control arm ball joint.

Post by Killerwatt »

I dont know the mazda setup. but it will probably be the bushes forcing it up.
You can try and loosen the conection of the lca to the subframe to get some extra room. otherwise get someone else to force it gown while you pul on the hub.
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Tander
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Re: Remove lower control arm ball joint.

Post by Tander »

Killerwatt wrote:I dont know the mazda setup. but it will probably be the bushes forcing it up.
You can try and loosen the conection of the lca to the subframe to get some extra room. otherwise get someone else to force it gown while you pul on the hub.
That's all that is connected - sub-frame to LCA (Front and back mounts) then ball joint at the end which attached to hub from the bottom - the ball joint as a 2cm pin that goes through the hub and locks into place with a bolt through the clamp.

Will try getting another person to help with this.

I wonder if I turn the hub full lock to one side, if I can just pull the drive shaft out like that?

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Re: Remove lower control arm ball joint.

Post by Neuk »

Make use of VW's Number 1 Water Cooled Tool...

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Tander
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Re: Remove lower control arm ball joint.

Post by Tander »

Killerwatt wrote: You can try and loosen the conection of the lca to the subframe to get some extra room.
This worked perfectly. Took two mins after doing that.
Drive shaft seems fused to hub though!
Put some achole and oil on it overnight to see if it loosens it.

Current Rides:
2008 SEAT Leon Cupra - Banshee

Exes:
2006 Polo 9N3 - 1.6i
2003 Citi.com 1.3
2003 Opel Corsa Lite
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