CPLSeraphim

Ok, so I knew I had to replace these ever since I got my jeep, and have just been building, and not driving. Anyway, I am good with almost anything, but these ball joints. I have never done them, and searching on line and on the forum seems more like people asking "Well, i replaced my ball joints, so what else could it be." type deals.

Anyway, I want to replace my ball joints tonight. I have the new Ball Joints, and the C-clamop ball joint tool (brain fart) and I am trying to figure out how to do it. I get the lift it up, pull off the tire... but after the tire, I am unsure. The vehicle is a 1988 2 door Cherokee Loredo, Auto, and about 210,000 miles. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

caged

part one


part two


and this one should help you with the lowers


good luck

Metalgearmurder

Its a easy job bro.. just had to do mine after a catostraphic failure up on a trail. Ended up repairing mine in a Holiday Inn parking lot in about 4 hours.

Slick761

Got a ball joint press for 60$ at harbor freight.

s14unimog

its helpful to load up the ball joint with that tool but not use it to break the initial grip loose. Once you have a decent amount of force in the clamp, tap the ball joint with a 3lb sledge; it gives you a much more controlled initial break. Good luck, it takes some time to do all 4.

CPLSeraphim

Thank you everyone. Videos were very helpful, and I am going out to do it now... Yeah, I never did them before, and I just didn't want to forget a step and break some line or something. lol.

CPLSeraphim

Ok, so not going according to planned... I am still, 2 hours later, trying to get the axle shaft out of the axle... This thing isn't moving... Any advice? I have been hammering away with a wedge between where the rotar mounts and the triangular piece... and nothing... just a lot of hammering, and the damn thing isn't even budging...

CPLSeraphim

I should say that the things that the caliper hooks too, again, i apologize for my total lack of proper terms, but I did not unbolt that from the hub assembly because the bolts were stripped... If that is the problem, I am going to feel like a complete moron... lol, but it doesn't look like it would be in the way, but I would take any suggestions.

Thanks again...



*** Looking at the video ahain, it looks like I should have been trying to wedge behind the triangular piece... I'll have to try that in the morning.

Littlethunder92

You need to take the 3 12 point 13mm bolts out from the backside of the knuckle that holds the unit bearing on. They are a PITA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CPLSeraphim

I got those three guys off... I just did a very common jeep equation:

Shi**y bolt+ heat= easier to take out.

lol, but the thing still ain't budging...

hennigm4

lots of PB blaster. I did my 87s and it took at least 10 hours off and on. The parts have been stuck together for 20+ years....I bent the clamp trying to get the old ball joints out.

Use PB blaster on any parts that need to come out or slide, bolts etc.

Good luck.

CPLSeraphim

Thanks... Yeah, the videos of the guy doing it is great, if only it were that easy... instead I bend my seperator... that'll just **** ya off... lol

caged

on the pre 90 axle, the caliper bracket is a removable part that can just stay attached.

CPLSeraphim

Thanks, Caged... I am very glad that it isn't that..
I think it may be that I was hitting the wrong spot, trying to seperate the parts in the middle instead of actually behind it. Are you supposed to hit behind the triangular piece and that thin metal part?

ragged1

Yes you are. In the top corner you can pry between triangular hub flange and dust shield backing plate. I was able to get the claw of a hammer in there, and it popped out with a couple taps from another one.