4 replies to this topic

[Jim Venable]

Existing ball joint: The stem moves freely to the touch and returns to the center position. 

New ball joint: Requires quite a bit of pressure to rotate and stays in the pushed position. 

No boot cracks or visible grease leakage. Perhaps it's grease empty from years of use.

 

Historically I've found it best to allow parts to move as freely as possible. However, upon seeing the movement difference with no way to check the grease level without removing the boot, I ask:

 

Is it replacement time or are the current ball joints good to go?

Is there a safe way to grease without a fitting?

Are replacement boots a viable option so as to re-grease?

 

I am aware it is advisable to add a few tack welds if ball joint replacement is required. Hopefully not.

 

Thanks all,

 

Jim Venable

[Jim Venable]

Follow-up:

 

I did find this link that answers my question in reference boot replacement from 2011. Please let me know if this is not a good idea.

 

http://mazdaracers.c...per-ball-joint/

 

Jim Venable

[callumhay]

Jim 

 

I went through a few upper ball joints on my 1990 and had the opportunity to replace the boots on them.   Even though you can replace just the ball joint, I always went with either a new control arm or one from ebay or craigslist. If bought used, I would replace the boots are they were invariably trashed.(I guess if you are using offset bushings, it is a little more work to go to a new control arm which is maybe why you are asking the question about saving or replacing the ball joint?). The Miata factory service manual outlines the checking procedure via wiggling the thing and using a torque meter to rotate it. To me, if it was loose, I let it go.  The biggest pain in replacing the boot is getting the old boot material off the collar. To be honest with you I ended up feeling my time was more valuable than the time spent on the procedure, again especially in getting the collar clean enough to accept a new boot. (I bought replacement boots from Flyin miata). I used a PVC fitting or socket and a few good raps with the hammer to get the boots on. The ball joint does not move as easily with the new boot on for sure.  Ultimately for me if it was easy to move the ball joint with the boot on, I would use as a spare or throw away.  I'd be interested in what the experts say about that.

 

I don't know if that answers your questions but hope it helps

 

Cal

[davew]

Upper ball joints are not available separately from Mazda, you must purchase a complete arm to get from Mazda. These arms include the inner bushings, which most people throw away when installing offset bushings.

 

On NA cars only, I have replacement upper ball joints available on my website. NOTE: These do NOT fit NB arms.

 

I also have replacement poly-urethane dust boots available. Simply pry the old off and push the new poly units back on. I have these for upper and lower ball joints as well as outer tie rod ends. Fit all year cars.

[Jim Venable]

Gentlemen.

 

Thank you for the replies. Most helpful. Ball Joint is good. Ordered new boots from Dave to re-grease and install.

 

Jim Venable