Stupid question but need some help

[p_justin13]

Anyone know an easy way to get the bolts on the lower ball joint off. They are resessed in the a arm so far can't even barely get a socket on to them. Had to just replace both front calipers they both locked up at the same time and I want to replace upper and lower ball joints and tie rod ends but can't get these damn bolts off! Thanks in advance

[Ldub]

use an open/box end :_wrench: on top, & a deep socket on the bottom.


PB Blaster &/or liquid wrench helps too.

[p_justin13]

I'll give it a shot was about ready to get the torch out. Lol

[Ldub]

BTW, two of the bolts on each lower a-arm are recessed intentionally, so no :_wrench: is needed, the recess effectively captures the bolt head until it gets so loose that a wrench is needed.

[nfpgasmask]

I just did this on my VX. 105,000 miles with stock ball joints and these bolts were a bit of a pain. In all honestly though, if you plan to do auto work like this yourself, you will GREATLY benefit with an investment into one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-9072-20-2-Inch-Impact-Wrench/dp/B0000647GA/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1314718596&sr=8-9

I cannot tell you how much faster it made taking apart my front end. Just make sure you buy some metric impact sockets as well as you will blow up regular sockets with an impact.

Without an impact though, you should be able to loosen those bolt from the bottom like LDub said, the heads are captured in the lower control arm. And if you don't want to spend the money on an impact, at least get one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-Heavy-Duty-25-Inch-Chrome-Vanadium-Breaker/dp/B001222378/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1314718712&sr=1-1

Any hardware store should have them. Makes cracking loose stubborn bolts easy. For me, the ball joints were a breeze. Just wait till you get to your tie-rods and center-link, if you can avoid removing them for whatever you are doing, it would be a good idea.

HTH,

Bart