Technical Ball Joint help needed

[Hackett]

I've got a knocking coming from the drivers side when turning slowly on full lock I've been told by a mechanic who had a look that it's the bottom ball joint. He said it'd be an easy enough job as it is just a bolt-on joint.

I ordered a replacement which I've just gone to fit, only to find that the original is riveted to the wishbone. Has anyone out there replaced theirs & how did you go about it? Should I drill out the rivets? The replacement comes with bolts. I tend to do these kind of jobs myself, but I've not come across this problem before.

 

[varesecrazy]

hi,
I've not done one either.. maybe ask in Technical _ for a quicker response,
Charlie

 

[portland_bill]

This is common on vehicles with replaceable joints. Many these days are not replaceable and a whole arm has to be fitted.

Drill out the rivets. Be careful not to make their holes any larger, as these position the joint accurately.
Bolt the new joint on, using the bolts supplied, which should have come with locking nuts. The bolts face downwards, so that the longer part will not interfere with the joint movement.

 

[tomharrison]

this happened to me with my 2008 civic, i was told it was the ball joint, but when i fitted it it turned out to be that something was hitting the steering column, and it would cost in excess of £500