How do you change a lower ball joint on an Eagle Vision ESi?

Answer 1

I have a 94 ESI, in order to change the ball joint you must purchase what they call a control arm. The ball joint and control arm comes as one piece. If you look at the ball joint you will see that it is one large piece and that one end is bolted to the chassis. It would be wise for you to change both sides of the car as most of the bushings in the control arm are worn from age. You can buy replaceable bushings but, its alot of trouble going that route. Don't go to salvage yards as they will also be worn from age. I must say that it will improve the ride of your car once replaced,please be sure your jack stands are secure as you will be under that vehicle for sometime. Heres what I did to remove the part: 1. Loosen the lug nuts on both L/R tires, raise your vehicle on both sides high enough for you to get good arm leverage. 2.Remove both tires,you may have to remove the splash shield that's covering the rest of the control arm. 3. If I remember right I used a 3/4in socket with a 1/2 ratchet on one end of the bolt, you may need a breaker bar to help assist loosening the bolt, I used a closed 3/4 wrench on the other end (nut side) to stop it from turning as you loosen the bolt. You may also have to tap the bolt out of the arm once the nut is removed. 4.You now have to remove the nut on the control arm link the rod that's connected to the control arm and you should check the bushings on that part also for wear. On the last eagle I worked on I had to remove both ends of the arm link as I could not slide or wriggle the control arm loose.Remember the position of the link when reinstalling. 5.Remove cotter pin from the castle nut below the ball joint, loosen & remove castle nut, next I used a ball joint removal tool I purchased at a auto tool store under $25.00. Separate ball joint from the hub. You may need to raise or lower the hub when removing or reinstalling the ball joint.Installation is the reverse. You may have to work the part of the control arm that connects to the chassis to fit. Do not tighten the nut on the control arm end that connects to the chassis. Once everything is installed and tires connected and lowered to ground level, you will need to get a portable car ramp (Kragens,Autozone etc.) drive the front of the vehicle up ramp & secure vehicle. Now is the time to tighten the nut on the control arm end to chassis.The reason for this is the full weight of your suspension must be on the control arm for proper adjustment. This is important. Its not as simple but it can be done Hope this helps. If you have patience and good leverage you can do it