Front suspension leg

[Robs-se]

I am planning on renewing my top mounts and bearings. If i'm only taking the leg off to
do this and not taking it away from the car, do i still have to take the brake calipre off and the abs sensor?

[vinny_69]

No to don't have to rob just make sure you have balljoint splitters, when ya thinking of doing it I will give you a hand

[Robs-se]

Bloody hell, you p!ssed the bed mate. will do in a few weeks once i'm not working a weekend. i'll give you a shout when i'm doing it

[vinny_69]

Yeah something like that I have some new spring compressors for the occasion

[Robs-se]

And i have some winging there merry way in my direction also

[Calibra_Mike]

so to change a front shock there's no way of leaving the ball joint attached?

[Robs-se]

I have the wishbones to go on as well so thats why i was asking about the calipre. good to know you dont have to undo the bottom balljoints though

[vinny_69]

if you changing the lower arms you kinda need to undo the bottom balljoints Rob

[Calibra_Mike]

caliper would need to come off if taking the ball joint off cos I found the brake disc gets in the way a tad when knocking the ball joint off...

here's a question, how do you get the balljoint off without killing it?

[vinny_69]

Tazz is a master at splitting it like that I just keep hitting the wing

[tazz666]

Tazz is a master at splitting it like that I just keep hitting the wing

wot did i do this time,lol
there are a few ways to do it mate
1. hit the bit where the ball joint goes into, as this shocks the taper ,or use a ball joint spitter, tighting the bolt and once it has a lot of pressure hit the end of the ball joint splitter.
That should split it

[Calibra_Mike]

Ive only ever used the fork type splitter before and it just kills the rubber on the balljoint, since ive just replaced my lower arms and am looking to do the shocks soon I dont really want to hurt my balls... joint...

[cally8valver]

if disconnecting the balljoint why not change the bottom arm at same time save doing it all again at mot time we all know what the ball joints are like on callies ( just a thought )

[Robs-se]

if you changing the lower arms you kinda need to undo the bottom balljoints Rob

I know, just good to know for future reference if you only have the springs to do. I always end up trashing the rubber on the balljoint with the fork splitter. never been able to get the other type in as not enough room

[v6 steve]

iv never bust a lower ball joint its the track rod end thats a b***h but if you take the whole arm off it saves you splitting it, and i would take off caliper and disc as the strut is pritty heavy and much easer to move about if there off