ANybody changed Rear control ARM BallJoints?

[scorpiox]

The rear upper control arms cost over $750 DOLLARS EACH!!!! Has anybody tried pressing out the balljoint on them, and replacing them with another balljoint that will fit in the control arm?

 

[TyraNSX]

Do a search. I believe there is an error in the manual that says they can be pressed out. They can't. I think fffanmann has pics of one he tried it or the dealership mechanic tried it with & it distorted the crap out of the metal. Ask Larry B or wait for him to chime in to make sure. But you'll find out if you search for it.

I was right:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89741&highlight=ball+joint
http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91668&highlight=ball+joint
http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86943&highlight=ball+joint
http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66156&highlight=ball+joint
http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46941&highlight=ball+joint
http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24382&highlight=ball+joint
http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38597&highlight=ball+joint
http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37903&highlight=ball+joint

 

[1albagtp]

The references in those copies refer to the problem of the ball joint taper being stuck in the steel insert/receiver. If you warm up the arm and remove the insert still attached to the ball joint, you can then use a pushing tool like the Acura one ( nice aftermarket ones are around) to push off the insert while heating it. Put a solid nut on the threaded portion of the ball joint to help keep the threads in the area of the cotter pin drilling from collapsing. To put the insert back into the arm, preheat the arm and use a few drops of bearing retaining compound the insert( helps to freeze the insert) it generally drops back in with out any/ much pressure.

Back to the original question. With a proper press and simple fixture I don't see what any of the ball joints could not be removed and replaced. The one in the ends of the control arms appear to be press fit and possibly glued in?
The ones in the upright should come out by removing the clip, heating then pressing.

I have been trying to buy some worn out/ damaged suspension pieces to look further into replacing only the joints. I am still interested in pursuing this.

Thanks Bryan.

 

[RSO 34]

I think you need to take another look at the upper arm. The ball joint is pressed into a blind hole. You cannot change it.


The ball joints could be removed (the other locations), but the assembly would need to be heated to at least 400 degrees to remove them, then you would have to find a replacement, or have them made up.

Regards,
Your Friendly Neighborhood Tech Monkey

 

[1albagtp]

The upper ball joints are pressed into the arm casting. There is a cap set into the receiving socket first. I believe with a proper fixture this ball joint could be pressed out.and possibly a replacement could be refitted.

For the price of the A-arm tubular ones with replaceable joints could be fabricated. I made some prototypes for the early 944's we raced, all subsequent 951's where fitted with variations of these. Believe it or not the original arms where the same as used on early VW Rabbits.

 

[ffffanman]

I sent my pieces down to titanium Dave, for he was working on this project for a long time. Two days ago his response was, still working on it....lol.
I'm also waiting to go out for the pub crawl at Nsxpo.........good luck!
Trev

 

[SMGNSX]

I can fix them and install new ball joints in front and rear controll arms and uprights as well, they are on my car

Steve