Bad ball joint;possible to just replace balljoint or do I have to replace control arm
 

My ball joint is bad on one side. Can I go somewhere to have the ball joint pushed out of its socket and replaced (is there even such machine that can do that?) or do I have to go and buy an entire control arm? I was hoping to buy this: http://www.whiteline.com.au/product_..._number=kca435

and just have it replace the tie rod and ball joint altogether since one of my tie rod is slightly bent as well.

Can I knock both my tie rods and ball joint problem out with this kit or should I just buy OEM parts? I'm really trying to avoid purchasing a whole new set of front control arms (about $120 each) since I can just purchase this KCA435 kit and only replace the bad ball joint for cheaper. I'm lowered 0.8 inches (20mm) as well.

Thank you all.

Yes you can, any independent shop worth their salt should have no problem replacing ball joints. Even a competent dealership shouldn't have a problem.

I just ordered the KCA435 kit. Hoping it actually is in stock. Tearing down the car now for it and most all other suspension bushings. Hope that kit works out for you. If not I think these are kinda cool: http://racerxfabrication.com/frs-brz...er-ball-joints Almost the cost of the Whiteline kit for just the ball joints though.

At the local auto store they have a ball joint press tool that can be rented for $140 (fully refunded upon return).

Theres a nub that pushes the threaded rod on the ball joint into a cup shaped thing that receives the oil ball joint.

On another note, are you sure it's your ball joint that is bad? After 120k miles mine are completely fine. Compare that to my old E46 where people were replacing these joints every 50k miles.

I have the whiteline kit. I really like how it makes the car feel. Get an alignment after you install it.


Good luck!

Ah good to know. And yes, my ball joint and tie rod is bad. The alignment tech put my car up in the air and showed me how wobbly it was. My tie rod was also physically slightly bent, which resulted in my steering wheel not being centered!

Inner tie rod, or outer? I can't imagine bending the outer without also bending the inner, and the whiteline kit only replaces the outer.

Strange enough, only my inner rod was bent but I might as well replace both inner and outers since im down there already. I am aware that the whiteline kit only replaces outer rods. I will be purchasing OEM inner rods.

Inners are much easier to bend than the outer ends, that makes sense. Sounds like you're in good shape :thumbup: