Changing IRS outer joints on car

[undertow]

The rear outer spherical joints (both upper and lower) on my XR8 have seen better days and I'd like to change them without removing the arms if possible. Has anyone tried using a tool like the one below? I have read of people using these sucessfully on front lower ball joints. Do the rear joints come easily enough or is it a case of put it in a big hydraulic press and pray?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10pc-Bal...4AAOSwf~Jaj9ai

I am not sure if this tool would be long enough or strong enough, but it would be useful to have anyway.

[Uncle_Ken]

Sorry only done lower ball joint
UK

[mcfly94]

I’ve done uppers on the car just moved the hub out the way
I used a ports power g clamp though

[mif73]

Originally Posted by undertow

The rear outer spherical joints (both upper and lower) on my XR8 have seen better days and I'd like to change them without removing the arms if possible. Has anyone tried using a tool like the one below? I have read of people using these sucessfully on front lower ball joints. Do the rear joints come easily enough or is it a case of put it in a big hydraulic press and pray?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10pc-Bal...4AAOSwf~Jaj9ai

I am not sure if this tool would be long enough or strong enough, but it would be useful to have anyway.

You can make up your own tool, I have done it before.

Soak the bushes with penetrant at least 30 mins before job.
Use a high tensile bolt and nut lubed with oil or grease and some sockets and washers as spacers to pull and push the bushes, works well- especially with a rattle gun.

[undertow]

Thanks, the bolt and sockets is a good idea. Probably stronger than the cheapo clamp tool.

Nolothane's website tells me the lowers are 14.2mm ID, 47mm OD and uppers 12.2mm ID, 40.2mm OD. So I'm thinking a nice long grade 12.9 M12 bolt should do for both. Will need to buy a massive socket for a receiver. Can you remember which size sockets you used to pull the new ones in? Don't want to pull on the inner part.

[TICK4D-TAS]

I have one of these

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Rose-Swi...YAAOSwU9xUTIA~

Have used it on both my Au's to remove the bushes in the car. Just undid the top bush and moved the hub forward, then did the bottom one by lifting the hub up.

I think it took me about 3hrs all up, that was replacing the upper and lower units, sway bar links and toe links.

[undertow]

That looks like a nice item. I ended up ordering the cheapo tool after looking into the sizes. The adaptors will suit and the tool should be big enough. Even if it snaps in half it is worth $60 for the receivers/adaptors which I can then use with a high tensile bolt etc. A big 50mm stocket would cost as much as the tool and I don't have any other use for it.

Will post back with results - might be a few weeks till I get to the job though.

[Maka]

Originally Posted by undertow

That looks like a nice item. I ended up ordering the cheapo tool after looking into the sizes. The adaptors will suit and the tool should be big enough. Even if it snaps in half it is worth $60 for the receivers/adaptors which I can then use with a high tensile bolt etc. A big 50mm stocket would cost as much as the tool and I don't have any other use for it.

Will post back with results - might be a few weeks till I get to the job though.

Hi Undertow, any chance of a photo of the tool etc you'll be using when posting back the results?

cheers, Maka

[Silver']

I don't think that a press is the right tool for the job anyway, as space is too tight. I used a cheap eBay clamp similar to the one in your first picture. I had the arms off anyway to do the inner bushes, but if anything that might have made it more difficult, not less.