So today I set about changing this ball joint as I split the boot when changing the wheel bearing and as a replacement boot wasn't available I bought a new ball joint. I couldn't get the old girl out so I took the lower arm to a local car garage place where they kindly pressed it out and pressed the new one in.

 

However, I didn't see them doing it but they told me that the ball joint started to split on its way in using the 10 ton press. I thought this a bit strange but left them to it after they assured me it will go in and will be fine. This is what it looks like, it's looks to me as if they have used a small drift where it has marked:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my line of work this would be scrap component but I'm not sure whether this is 'acceptable' or whether its possible it could pull through. I know it's tapered but as its split, could it have lost some strength? Another thing that made me wonder is that, from the top, you can see part of the splines, is that normal? See pic:

 

 

 

 

 

Any advice welcomed,

CheerZ.

looks like they pressed a little too far m8.I wouldnt reuse that just replace and dont use that garage again..Lee

Personally, It looks as though they may have used a large socket to press it home.

The split area looks as though the socket was not square and it has pushed through the shoulder.

If it was me, I would be tempted to change it as it is a critical joint, the last thing you want is that niggly feeling in the back of your mind every time you take her for a spin.

Would probably use a different garage mind. Maybe they should have heated the arm up, that way reducing the amount of force required.

Just my thoughts.

Yeah I thought as much. I may just get a used lower arm with a good joint/boot as they knurled up a few gouges on the edges where they clamped it. Thanks for the advice chaps.

looks like they pressed a little too far m8.I wouldnt reuse that just replace and dont use that garage again..Lee

 

Do you think it could've elongated the hole in the arm?

universal rubber boot kits are available Joel,alot cheaper than a new joint.

universal rubber boot kits are available Joel' date='alot cheaper than a new joint.[/quote']

 

I tried a couple of different boots but none of them would fit properly, if I bought any more it would've cost more than a new joint lol :-/ although now the old joint is mullered and the new joint is scrap. I'll just get a good used arm I reckon and start again!

im surprised they got the big circlip on with the splines showing doesnt look all the way home to me .