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tncean · Joined: 26 Feb 2005 Posts: 1652 Location: Chattanooga, Tn.

A local man says he disconnects the control arm at the "lollipop", ( 2 bolts) and at the inner ball joint mount, (17mm?).
Said he leaves the CA connected at the wheel (spindle, rotor, etc), to avoid disturbing that ball joint, and pulls the strut assembly out with CA connected.
Other disassemblies still apply, (tie rod end, shock tower, etc), of course.

t

e30_325es · Joined: 17 Jul 2002 Posts: 1159 Location: Annapolis, MD

I wouldn't do that. Those inner ball joints are a PITA.
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rj7hills · Joined: 29 Jan 2004 Posts: 573 Location: Rome, GA

That will also give you a very cumbersome assembly to carry to the shop for changing the strut. Course, you guys from up north are really strong Smile

I would still vote for disconnecting the outer tie-rod end and caliper, leave the rotor attached and drop that assembly. It is still heavy, but not too cumbersome to carry.

rj

Merkaba233 · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 40 Location: STL

Oh holy crap!

The outer ball joint is WAY easier to disconnect than the inner. The nut on the inner is a... well... a real good time, i'll put it that way.

Anyway, if i had it to do again (and i'm NOT looking forward to that!) i would definitely take the outer before the inner...

If the guy goes that far with it he'd be best just to replace the control arm and bushings while it's off.

woo buddy!
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Anonymous

tncean · Joined: 26 Feb 2005 Posts: 1652 Location: Chattanooga, Tn.

That was the first time I'd heard of that technique, as well. Thought I'd post it, though.

Different strokes for different folks?

t