Vito Ball Joints

[beelag]

I need to replace a lower front ball joint and track rod end. Any useful tips from the DIY boys on doing the job, especially on easy ways of separating the old rusty joints?
cheers

 

[Coulsdon Eagle]

DONT just replace one side, if you're going to do it.... do both sides at the same time

Your track-rod ends are just the same on a car as on the van, the way i do it if replacing them, is to give the joint a good spray with WD40, let it soak for a bit, then slacken off the nuts a few turns, then give them a whack with a mallet, the bottom ball joint is easier to replace by removing the whole arm and drilling the old rivets out, the ball-joint will just slide out of the arm, then just slide the new one in, align the holes and bolt them on, you may find it more economical just to replace the whole lower arm, as you get an new arm, new rubber bushes, and ball joints, and no messing about.
when you've done it, take it to an alignment specialist and get your tracking done

 

[beelag]

Thanks for the tips, will give it a go some of these weekends.

 

[Cnics]

if they are the same or roughly similar to the sprinter then yes take off the arm but no don't buy an arm. it is not econmical. With a ball joint at about £17 and an arm at £180. both exc vat. Not nice to do on the floor I tell you that much.

 

[Coulsdon Eagle]

not necessarily so, i paid about £75 for a pair of arms for my Vito from EuroParts last year