replacing balljoints

[MrT]

2002 sle
104k

I am planning the next front end project for the Bonny, replacing the balljoints this fall or winter. I know that the balljoints are riveted so I have to drill them out. Instead of doing just the balljoints, I see that you can replace the entire lower control arm with new balljoints as a unit.

As a old-timer, I never did a balljoint job on a car with riveted joints. So my question: is it easier to go with the control arm balljoint unit on the Bonny? Or does drilling out the joints take about the same amount of time as replacing the control arm - balljoint unit?

I may be doing the stablizer bar link ends and tie rod ends at the same time.

None of these things are bad or broken, just planning on more improvements in ride quality.

Thanks for the help.

Steven

[00Beast]

It's cheaper to do the entire control arm, along with being a less intensive job.

[MrT]

Thanks, that is what I was thinking.
I usually use Moog or NAPA suspension parts.
Any other suggestions?

Steven

[crash93ssei]

Are the ball joints bad? I wasn't sure if you were saying just the other stuff isn't bad or if that included the ball joints.

[repinS]

Doing the whole control arm/ball joint as an assembly also has the added benefit of new control arm bushings. This may be of concern to you if you're refreshing the front end before stuff actually goes south.

My pick if you're doing the ball joint only: Moog Problem Solver (Part #K5333) is $40.79 each on RockAuto. By comparison, the Moog R-series control arm (#RK620291 left, #RK620291 right) with a lower-spec than Problem Solver ball joint is about $62 per side. If doing the whole arm, if you're looking for quality I would personally pick the Raybestos Professional Grade arms (#5071543 left, #5071543 right) at about $78 per side.

In all, that's about $70-75 more to do both arms, but the labour savings + new bushings is worth it in my opinion.

[00Beast]

I guess I skipped over that too; I had 203k on my original balljoints on my 03 SSEi. Are you having problems, or attempting to do this as preventive maintenance?

[redzmonte]

Moog is what i would use.. if you have the cash also do the tierod ends and alignment. Check the wheel bearings while its up.

S

[MrT]

Everything is functional, balljoints are not bad. This would be preventive maintenance. I am an old timer (60) and still not used to front end parts lasting 100k+ miles. The Bonny is my good weather cruising machine and I have already done brakes, front struts, installed the new steering shaft, new tires and wheels.

I am just thinking balljoints are next, but the Bonneville front end is a good medium-heavy duty front end that is not over engineered. I have fixed everthing that needed fixing and now my Bonny is more of a restoration project. Since she is not my daily driver, I can restore/replace things when I want to, not when I have to.

I have used Moog or NAPA suspension parts for my cars and never had problems, I know that Moog makes the R series and a heavier duty series for the Bonny. When I do this job, will probably change the link ends and tie rod ends also. Always good to see what others have used brand wise for these parts and I appreciate the advice.

After the front end, on to the rear!! Already did rear shocks last October.

Steven