Just got word that my 02 Q45 needs new ball joints. From my research I see it is a one piece suspension arm. They go for $277 a piece on infinitiparts.com The shop quoted $1078 including wheel alignment . Altough I am mechanically inclined I don't have any experience with a job like this. Is this something I should tackle and if so what kind of equipment and tools would I need to replace the suspension arms? I could then take it to the shop for the wheel alignment. I ws recently layed off so I don't need a $1000 repair job right now.
Also what other damage am I doing by continuing to drive the car in this condition besides the tire damage?
How much skill do you need to replace ball joints?
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maxnix
- Posts: 22627
- Joined: Mon Jul 22, 2002 8:11 pm
- Car: 1995 Infiniti Q45
1995 Infiniti Q45t
2000 Infiniti Q45
Re: How much skill do you need to replace ball joints? (djazzmo)
Just excess wear on other supension components.
A good torque wrench, sockets (impact if you have air) and some spring compressors should be fine. Presume you have the FSM.
Do you trust their diagnosis?
Sorry about the layoff. Hopefully another opportunity will present itself.
A good torque wrench, sockets (impact if you have air) and some spring compressors should be fine. Presume you have the FSM.
Do you trust their diagnosis?
Sorry about the layoff. Hopefully another opportunity will present itself.
Re: How much skill do you need to replace ball joints? (maxnix)
Thanks for the words of encouragement. This is not a good time to be out of work and driving a Q45. I might have to rethink my transportation if things don't brake loose soon.
I can get the tools but I don't have an air wrench. I would need to get the FSM but I am not sure where to get it. I would still like to know if you consider it a highly skilled job and should an occasional weekend knuckle busting guy like me attempt this.
As far as the diagnosis I took the car in becasue the front tires where wearing badly on the inside edge of the tread (ruined the tires) and it wasn't feeling like it was gripping the road well. While it was up on the rack I watched as the joint wobbled around when moved.
I can get the tools but I don't have an air wrench. I would need to get the FSM but I am not sure where to get it. I would still like to know if you consider it a highly skilled job and should an occasional weekend knuckle busting guy like me attempt this.
As far as the diagnosis I took the car in becasue the front tires where wearing badly on the inside edge of the tread (ruined the tires) and it wasn't feeling like it was gripping the road well. While it was up on the rack I watched as the joint wobbled around when moved.
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maxnix
- Posts: 22627
- Joined: Mon Jul 22, 2002 8:11 pm
- Car: 1995 Infiniti Q45
1995 Infiniti Q45t
2000 Infiniti Q45
Re: How much skill do you need to replace ball joints? (djazzmo)
The FSM should revial all. Also read any posts here and in IOM on changing out the FGY33 front as it is basically identical.djazzmo wrote:I would need to get the FSM but I am not sure where to get it. I would still like to know if you consider it a highly skilled job and should an occasional weekend knuckle busting guy like me attempt this.
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Q45/
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paranoidjack
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2003 Infiniti M45
2001 Infiniti QX4
2000 Infiniti Q45
1998 Nissan Pathfinder
1996 Infiniti J30
Re: How much skill do you need to replace ball joints? (djazzmo)
Yes, it is entirely possible for you. As max said, you will need a spring compressor, and that is really the only thing can can "go wrong." You need to take great care because compressing the springs requires being very careful to avoid springing loose and causing SERIOUS injury.djazzmo wrote:Thanks for the words of encouragement. This is not a good time to be out of work and driving a Q45. I might have to rethink my transportation if things don't brake loose soon.
I can get the tools but I don't have an air wrench. I would need to get the FSM but I am not sure where to get it. I would still like to know if you consider it a highly skilled job and should an occasional weekend knuckle busting guy like me attempt this.
As far as the diagnosis I took the car in becasue the front tires where wearing badly on the inside edge of the tread (ruined the tires) and it wasn't feeling like it was gripping the road well. While it was up on the rack I watched as the joint wobbled around when moved.
Other than that, it's entirely feasible. A good ratchet with a hammer can substitute for air in a pinch.
Rent the spring compressor for $10-$20 at an auto parts store. Probably can rent a torque wrench as well.You will need a pickle fork as well to break loose the ball joint. Have some nice needle nose pliers on hand for the old nasty cotter pins.
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Unnatural1
- Posts: 192
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- Car: 1994 Infiniti Q45
Re: How much skill do you need to replace ball joints? (paranoidjack)
If the 02 Q45 uses the same MacPherson style front suspension as the older Q's then you don't have any need for a spring compressor. You simply need a jack, basic hand tools (sockets, ratchet, wrenchs), ball joint fork (or a press), and a big hammer. A small sledge hammer will do the trick and a dead blow hammer would be nice too. Download the FSM as it should give you a basic overview of the process.
As far as spring pressure goes, yes the spring is under tension while the car sits on the ground. But, once the wheel is raised off the ground the spring will extend as far as it is allow to by the strut. The only time you really need a spring compressor is when replacing the struts or the springs themselves.
This is a relatively straightforward job. In general, with a suspension setup like this you will remove the nut fastening the ball joint shaft to the steering knuckle. This shaft is pressed into the knuckle when that nut is tightened so this is where the hammers will be needed. A ball joint fork is a cheap tool that can be used in this case as you will not be reusing these ball joints (do not use this tool for removing ball joints you will reuse). It is basically a wedge you insert between the knuckle and the ball joint. Then you hammer it in until it forces the two pieces apart. Or if you have a hammer and a long prybar (around 3-4 feet long), you can pry the joint and the knuckle apart while the bottom of the knuckle is struck with the hammer. That is usually the most trying part of this procedure as reassembly is much easier. Then remove the control arm mounting bolts and anything else bolted to it (sometimes a sway bar end link, tension rod, etc.). After that remove the control arm and ball joint as an assembly. When you reassemble this part you will want to tighten everything EXCEPT the control arm mounting bolts. Tighten these bolts when you lower the vehicle. This is to prevent binding the control arm bushings when the vehicle is lowered and the arm is in it's normal position. It may be easier to do that part on a pair of ramps.
Also, unless there are adjustment cams on the lower strut mounting bolts or the lower control arm mounting bolts there is little need for an alignment in general. HOWEVER, with your tires wearing as they are, the alignment should definitely be reset. A 4 wheel alignment should always be done when there are rear adjustments as the rear adjustments affect the front.
Hope that helps you make your decision. I know the feeling of being laid off. It's a bad place to be but the good news is it's an opportunity to make a new beginning. You will come out of the other side of this stronger!
As far as spring pressure goes, yes the spring is under tension while the car sits on the ground. But, once the wheel is raised off the ground the spring will extend as far as it is allow to by the strut. The only time you really need a spring compressor is when replacing the struts or the springs themselves.
This is a relatively straightforward job. In general, with a suspension setup like this you will remove the nut fastening the ball joint shaft to the steering knuckle. This shaft is pressed into the knuckle when that nut is tightened so this is where the hammers will be needed. A ball joint fork is a cheap tool that can be used in this case as you will not be reusing these ball joints (do not use this tool for removing ball joints you will reuse). It is basically a wedge you insert between the knuckle and the ball joint. Then you hammer it in until it forces the two pieces apart. Or if you have a hammer and a long prybar (around 3-4 feet long), you can pry the joint and the knuckle apart while the bottom of the knuckle is struck with the hammer. That is usually the most trying part of this procedure as reassembly is much easier. Then remove the control arm mounting bolts and anything else bolted to it (sometimes a sway bar end link, tension rod, etc.). After that remove the control arm and ball joint as an assembly. When you reassemble this part you will want to tighten everything EXCEPT the control arm mounting bolts. Tighten these bolts when you lower the vehicle. This is to prevent binding the control arm bushings when the vehicle is lowered and the arm is in it's normal position. It may be easier to do that part on a pair of ramps.
Also, unless there are adjustment cams on the lower strut mounting bolts or the lower control arm mounting bolts there is little need for an alignment in general. HOWEVER, with your tires wearing as they are, the alignment should definitely be reset. A 4 wheel alignment should always be done when there are rear adjustments as the rear adjustments affect the front.
Hope that helps you make your decision. I know the feeling of being laid off. It's a bad place to be but the good news is it's an opportunity to make a new beginning. You will come out of the other side of this stronger!
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maxnix
- Posts: 22627
- Joined: Mon Jul 22, 2002 8:11 pm
- Car: 1995 Infiniti Q45
1995 Infiniti Q45t
2000 Infiniti Q45
Re: How much skill do you need to replace ball joints? (Unnatural1)
That's true, if the strut or gaiters are not replaced, you can omit the spring compressor clamp. Always think of rehabilitating the whole front end when going that far, but for the ball joint assembly only, you don't have to disassemble the strut.