How to Press a Ball Joint

[@CTBlankenship63]

I'm a computer programmer ... a friend of my son's sold us a 2002 F-150 for $800. I now know why he sold it for $800. The entire front end required replacement (tie rods, upper control arm, Pitman arm, idler arm and lower ball joint). I took this to the local Ford stealership, the amount they quoted was more than the value of the truck itself. So, my sons (both mechanical engineers from UNCC) decided to do the work ourselves. After multiple You-Tube videos it became apparent that the stealership was exactly that. We rented the tool you suggested from Advance Auto (for free) and replaced the ball joint with the valuable instruction you provided here. Way to go Chris ... you ROCK.

[@anitagofradump5195]

This walkthrough had no business being as clean and well edited as it is. Especially considering this is nearly 10 years old. Thank you Chris for the amazing video

[@rjjr7064]

So many people waaaay overcomplicate this. They say you need "special tools" and you should only do it if you're experienced. They rush through their tutorials and I learn nothing. ChrisFix you are one in a million! Your tutorials make so much sense a 5 year old could follow them! Thankyou for all you do.

[@troys5286]

To be fair you do need special tools.

[@HoweyJR_]

@@troys5286nothing in this was special😑

[@loyaldavis]

This is absolutely one of the most clear and concise instruction videos, of any kind, that I have seen. Really great job Chris.

[@NathanChase72]

Say it again Preacher!👏👏👏

[@levicallis459]

I second that , very well done

[@Martin-y1n]

Amen! His videos are fantastic.

[@jacktobin8183]

Just replaced , my rotors , calipers, pads , coil springs , Shocks all around , adjusted torsion bars , both stabilizer bar linkages , THANKS CHRIS . You are the man , your videos are big time helpful . Keep up the great work

[@jodrhh]

Chris, you are so freaking detailed oriented. Nobody comes even close to you when it comes to repair videos. My respect!

[@dwightpayton3582]

Hands down one of the best walk throughs I have ever watched.

[@chrisfix]

Dwight Payton Thank you! Glad you found the video helpful!

[@yogishicksville2789]

@@chrisfix Bryce playing very good video you should be on TV on commercials

[@hedhigh520]

Seriously!

[@raulvega6562]

I agree! Thanks for the walk through Chris.

[@kyriejayson2413]

I dont mean to be so offtopic but does someone know of a method to log back into an Instagram account? I stupidly lost the password. I would love any assistance you can give me

[@Vekurus]

Honestly, one of the more comprehensive well explained how-to for the press kit. Really appreciated the clear instructions and explanation on all of the tools and why/how they will work.

[@piranhaphish]

I don't know how many videos I've "liked" on KZbin, but I'm sure I can count it on one hand. I'm pretty sure I've never commented on a video at all. This video is one of the most deserving because so many other repair KZbinrs can learn from this. The content, guidance, editing, audio ... all of it ... are direct and useful. When searching for general advice in the future, this channel's name is going to be part of the search terms going forward.

[@robbert1210]

As a professional (and ever learning) mechanic, your video's have been really useful, and this one came in pretty handy again. Thanks and keep being this awesome man!

[@toddeveretts5595]

I've wrenched on cars for 35 years but never had to do a ball joint until this week. This was an outstanding video and well thought out. No needless chatter, every word had a purpose. Outstanding!!!

[@willdavis6657]

This was a good video , and the chatter was down to a mininum and as needed i wish you woulda seen the video before I seen this one that guy spent like a half our telling us his entire life story I didnt even watch the rest of it I went straight for comments and told him he was fired way too much talking

[@milesbizzell8811]

Wow as a shade tree mechanic and I have never done a ball joint. This video makes things simple. Appreciate the time he took in preparation of the camera and only saying exactly what needs to be said. Liked and saved

[@idahogreen2885]

Word🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@SeeMooreVids]

Excellent tutorial. I’ve had it with tool rentals as there always seem to be something missing or doesn’t quite fit. I’m 70 but capable of these jobs. I figure the savings in labor will more than pay for my new press, large spindle socket set and a decent torque wrench. Wish me luck. 👍

[@dunebasher1971]

Great video! Just as an additional heads-up, when installing the new joint, you didn't need to flip the press over. You could have left the screw facing upwards. It would obviously have been pressing down on the receiver cup for the top of the ball joint, but that's fine - the joint would still have been forced upwards as you tightened the press. Another handy tip is to put the ball joint in the freezer overnight and only take it out just before you're ready to install it. The metal will contract slightly with the cold, which will make it even easier to get it started in the hole by hand before you use the press. This can be very useful to avoid getting the joint cocked in the bore. The same trick works with bearings.

[@seenoevilhearnoevil9067]

Wow, That's a great idea. Didn't know that help me out. I got to do some of that stuff when the weather cools down a bit. Thanks.

[@bradt9350]

That might be true... I thought the same thing, but the cups and caps are designed to fit the respective end of the press and threaded bolt. Sometimes you just have to stack them only how they fit together and still house the ball joint inside properly. I've done this more than a few times. Some times you have to use heat or even drop the control arm and use a standing press to get the ball joint out because this kit just isn't enough.. Chris: Always spot on and to the point in all your vids. Good work, always... Brad

[@amartinez2071]

Saved this video for my job on the trailblazer this weekend.Awesome camera work and perfect angle.Yes you can keep the bolt at the top.

[@jtdouglas9535]

For anyone giving this a thumbs down, you're just not happy in life. This is an awesome tutorial. NOTE: there is no need to flip clamp. It pressures equally on both sides for install and removal.

[@chrisfix]

thanks for sharing

[@jonguy4337]

From a Mechanic of over 45 years great video dude

[@chrisfix]

Thanks a lot!

[@JustAnAverageBrad]

glad to see you explained the grease port "this side inboard"...90% of youtube ball joint video makers have no idea how important that part is

[@BigOldCarChannel]

Guy, that's one exceptionally clear and instructive video! Excellent work, you should be proud of yourself for this one. I'd thumbs-up twice if I could.

[@chrisfix]

BigOldCarChannel Thanks a lot!

[@mayrarodriguez5539]

ChrisFix,I don't know what to say to you.

[@ironfistarrival]

@@mayrarodriguez5539 :Blow a Kiss , Blow A Kiss ....

[@RudeDog303]

@@chrisfix I agree, great instruction, video, footage, everything!

[@funtimeproduction8151]

Here here

[@WolfSpiritJag]

Chris. I cannot describe my gratitude for your DETAILED SIMPLE CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS WITH GREAT VIDEO SHOWING CLEARLY EVERYTHING YOUR DOING. When i watch yout videos i feel confident and knowledgeable about what im doing with very little to no doubt or concern or feeling lost about half a what im about to do. And you follow safety procedures and show how to do things the RIGHT way. Instead of just here smack it on there itll be alright leave it dirty its okay if its half ass n crooked. Thank you. Again. We KZbinr's and DIY's are super blessed and lucky to see your videos. You have helped me so much. Thank you.

[@lyleyla9275]

Chris, you do a fantastic job explaining things clearly. I have a 99 Chevy Tahoe that needs all kinds of front end work. For a chick i can do almost any engine work myself (sometimes i may need a lil muscle), but i am completely clueless when it comes to suspension/front end work so i really dig your videos man. Incredibly helpful!

[@countrysmurfcomedy3099]

💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾🔧💙

[@dougmccoll6126]

Not sure what is wrong with all the thumbs-downers, because this was one of the most concise, visually simple and clear, accurate descriptive, and good sounding, KZbin instructions I've seen.

[@flyboy2610]

Great video, Chris! One thing I would like to add: when using a screw press like this, always grease the screw threads before use. Makes things easier and extends the life of the threads.

[@benjaminabel8596]

I was wondering that. He did do it in a later video.

[@stephaniefuentes9881]

I would never be able to make the trickier repairs to my vehicle without your videos! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@jb_bmwrepairlyfe4704]

I’m very impressed on how you can get to those camera angles while working on the car! Good job!

[@johnscott1872]

Thanks Chris, finally someone who actually showed how to use the tool and explained it perfectly. Now you Other utube teachers ...takes notes from Chris. Teaching is explaining in steps and small details. Thanks Chris, you're the man.

[@brandonf.2528]

Damn dude - this is probably one of the best 'how to' auto videos I've seen. Clear and detailed. Very well edited. Great camera angles. This is why I love KZbin! Awesome work and thank you!

[@andrewkeough3565]

Literally the only channel that wasn't effected by removing dislikes, BECAUSE CHRIS KNOWS HIS STUFF!

[@FlyHeadCement]

Dude, one of the best how to vids I've seen. Clear, concise, and excellent camera work. So many shade tree mechanics out there explaining things poorly with crap camera work. Well done Chris and thanks!

[@chrisfix]

FlyHeadCement Thanks man! I appreciate it! I am glad the video was helpful!

[@garymahon1955]

Thank you a ton Chris! Very helpful to this 68yo man who cant afford to have shop do it again. They did the other side, but im going to do what you did and rent the tool. You kept it nice and simple. Bravo. Great job !

[@BBB-ly8ro]

The best instructional KZbin video I’ve ever watched. You made it look like you do it for a living. Im willing to bet Beto o’Rourke can even do it after your tutorial.

[@davidrobins7753]

I'm facing replacing the left front lower ball joint on my 2103 Dodge Charger (200,355 km). Your video is most helpful on how to do this job correctly.

[@4leafmetal]

Thanks Chris! I'm going to attempt to press out and replace the ball joints on my 2008 Chrysler 300 5.7L. Wish me luck brother!

[@chrisfix]

Awesome! Let me know how it goes!

[@CarsonRH]

@@chrisfix the ball joints got him he’s never coming back

[@fredgervinm.p.3315]

@@CarsonRH I lost a friend like that...

[@benoitlambert100]

your videos are so well documented that you might want to think about being a mechanic instructor for a school or a technical institution of some sort!!!!

[@chrisfix]

+benoit lambert thanks!

[@f3rg971]

This is probably the best made auto-related how-to video I've ever seen. Thank you so much!

[@chrisfix]

Thanks

[@williamcattr267]

This makes the job look so much easier than other videos on here regarding this subject. I mean, you have some of these mechanics in their videos drilling holes in the bottom of the ball joint, using blow torches to heat the knuckle, using hammers, etc. They make it look more burdensome than need be, whereas you made it look simple! And for that, you get a thumbs up!

[@chrisfix]

Thanks a lot!

[@This1LifeWeLive]

Ok, why all the thumbs down? It seemed a very straight forward video. KZbin sent me here and I had forgotten I needed to know this for doing wheel bearings and the ball joint. So glad I watched this video, seems a very straightforward process. I'm assuming you have a video on replacing bearings too, so I'll go take a look!

[@collinmullins1183]

@The Profit no it's because they don't rent a free ball joint press anywhere

[@georgeowen2083]

Some people just need to be pricks.

[@ronib2508]

Great job CHRIS. First time watched one of your videos. Great explanation, no rubish talking, no time vasting jockes. Very professional and helpfull explanations and advises. Great camera work. Well done my friend.

[@aircomp]

You're the man, Chris. Just saved about 750 bucks doing this!

[@fireye2012]

Your good Chris. This is one of the best instructive videos I've ever watched. No off topic banter and excellent camera work.....and I love the pace at which you went. Nothing like having to sit and watch someone spend 5 minutes turning a wrench or socket.....I like how you showed us the start of turning the wrench and the finish of turning a wrench and leaving out the middle part of just watching wrench turning....lol.......GOOD JOB!

[@topgrain]

A lot of times it's hard to see what's happening in the procedure, but your video is great and also excellent work. Thanks.

[@Joemama-km9np]

I've been looking at KZbin how-to videos for years and this is up there in my top 10 for concise and easy to understand, good job my man. Now I wish I had KZbin when I was rebuilding a 67' Mustang in the early 90's.

[@cri8tor]

It's been years since this was posted, but still a great tutorial.

[@brianday6433]

Very precise video. Well thought out with no wasted time. I do most of my own car repair work, but never attempted ball joints before. I may give it a try now.

[@shadow6996]

Don't understand why so many thumbs down, Awesome step by step instruction video.

[@Echo024]

Thumbs down are from people who overpaid a shop to do it and then realized they could have easily done it at home for a fraction of the cost.

[@terrycullen110]

Good video dude. Some people are natural instructors and some are not. You could easily teach an auto shop class.

[@IlluminatingNight]

I'm honestly amazed every time I watch one of your videos. I've never seen anybody make something so easy to understand and so clear and concise. You're always a big help.

[@chrisfix]

+Brandon s thank you

[@martywright1979]

@@chrisfix that’s a good kit wish we could rent something like that in Australia

[@AK-ui1zl]

The older videos are just so much more wholesome. But everything you make is excellent. Sending you love brother!

[@daddy9minnich777]

Awesome video...you have great articulation and presentation skills, dude...some of the best videography I have seen. God Bless and Thank You!!!

[@cookingwithbuds3963]

Dude I'm a first-time guy that's trying to mess with suspension issues and I looked up this video because I need to replace my ball joint and you give me the confidence I need to be able to do it myself thank you

[@skippy594]

Hey Chris, Just as with just about all the other comments Ive seen.... Dude, super informative and helpful video. Thanks for that. Thumbs up and subscribed, sir. 🙂

[@hunterknappre1271]

logottaI o ol we uiuii think o g a hasonna good night I hope youdarling well ’re the u

[@lyndalarvie9926]

Thank you. My Dodge Dakota was getting a maintenance work up with 54,000 miles on it. I shared with my mechanic and took him for a test drive to alert him to the noise in the front end. When I picked up my truck he said my lower ball joints were bad and suggested I get it taken care of. I am a 67 year old woman and wanted to have an idea of what a ball joint was and how to replace them. I Got it! The video was well done. I have an idea of how the mechanics will replace them. Thank you.Lynda

[@latinknight29]

This is the best diy ball joint video i have seen. Great video very detailed and informative.

[@chrisfix]

latinknight29 Thanks! I am glad the video was helpful!

[@glennjackson3253]

Thanks so much Chris you saved me $600 in labor I wasn't sure I could do it on my F150 didn't know how to press in ball joint, after your video that was amazingly clear I had no problems very very easy job.

[@memphisbankhead]

Great video ... I bought this kit and was scratching my head like wtf is all these pieces .. I see now .. Thanks!!!

[@idrissadamiba1364]

OK. Would you mind helping me toi get it? I'm Burkina. Thanks.

[@SuperMetalFiend]

I have an 08 Nissan Titan. I have nearly zero clearance above the upper ball joint. I was just about to remove the control arm to press the new ball joint in, when I found a way to press it in with the screw facing the other direction. There is SO many ways to use the accessories that comes with the kit, to accomplish the job. Love your videos, Chris!

[@pusherpilot]

Thanks Chris. Subscribed. I am rebuilding a 91 YJ jeep. Needed your help with the balljoints. Very concise and to the point with no BS. I appreciate you.

[@chrisfix]

Paul Roberts Awesome! I am glad you subbed and the video was helpful! I love Jeep YJs!

[@franksloane9579]

i'm with the other guys here; I've watched a lot of these videos and this was by far the most precise. great job guy

[@bushmaster2936]

Perfect video quality and instructions : ) Keep up the great work !

[@Derek-ld4kn]

This is outstanding! As a family, "backyard" mechanic for many years, I commend you Sir!

[@roccomauro6165]

Not even my vehicle but you explained it perfectly great job once again

[@THOMMGB]

Hi Chris, This is an older video but the information is timeless and perfect for what I need to do.

[@colorocko1]

Thank you. I appreciate the detail in your explanation!

[@stefangoins2164]

thank you chris for this amazing video, even going to college and learning the material doesnt teach you everything im a visual learning so watching your videos keeps my brain sharp and my learning endless.

[@mariarodriguez-ud9hq]

Thank you Chris! You are AWESOME as a Teacher! VERY ARTICULATE AND CLEAR! KEEP IT UP!

[@mannyperez1394]

This man is a natural born educator. Thank you so much

[@jasonpiazza4037]

Very intelligent and clear explanation. Well done!

[@John.Skelton]

It always looks SO EASY when you do things! I always run into snags or problems! 😅 but you have seriously saved me so much money by your videos and me doing things myself so thank you! 🙏

[@natgilson]

Dude, thank you so much. That was so perfectly clear.

[@tonyvienonen6589]

Straight and to the point, the way the walk through video should be. No useless side conversations.

[@jarodmorris611]

3.7M views....do 3.7M people really want to change out their own ball joints? **

[@Guns_amarica]

I didn’t notice that till I came to the comments 😂 I guess so

[@holmessph7]

Absolutely - $260 at the shop. Part was less than $30 ha

[@sxribblez5873]

Versus paying 3 to 4 to 5 bills, yeah bro bro

[@hammadown5793]

Yep we sure do !!! And with that many views I would not doubt that quite a few mechanics were using this as a training video. Perhaps to prepare for ASE testing. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@loveflink4334]

Ive got no money mate

[@davidellis7977]

Awesome man! Very informative! Just ordered a bunch of parts for my 2005 suburban included in is ball joints. Never changed a ball joint before. Ordered a kit and was lost on how to use it. Thanks so much for posting this video!!

[@dougchandler-christsbrothe5994]

Very clear and concise! If I was interested in becoming a professional mechanic, I would choose your videos over a college class, any day! Thank you for being such a great educator!!! (-:

[@michaeldman9068]

Wow, the best how to video I've ever seen, You really did a fantastic job clearly showing the proceeder, and exsplaning the correct way to use the press, Most excellent.

[@didar389]

Another great video thanks Chris

[@chrisfix]

danny love Thanks man!

[@rasputinsorphan1260]

Thank you for your straight forward, easy to follow tutorial on a ball joint press. This and your other videos are why I still have the vehicle I do. Thank you!

[@keithheimericks4562]

Outstanding tutorial sir!

[@timb4569]

GREAT VIDEO CHRIS. Even if the origional ball joint does not have a clip it can still be PRESSED OUT. I know from experience. After all they were pressed in at the factory. they are held in by staking the metal around the ball joint.

[@chrisfix]

Thanks a lot!

[@BigSarnt]

Oh and one more thing Chris, bought that jack on sale as well lol Good ol Harbor Freight

[@agosto1685]

Very clear, correctly paced and good use of close-ups. Nice editing. Well done.

[@lovinlife6850]

Awesome! Thank you Sir!!

[@frankmaceri5705]

Thank you, I am about to change both upper control arms and my passenger lower ball joint. Your videos give me more confidence.

[@tomasgarcia8159]

You don't have to turn the C clamp up side down

[@DigitalBathInAZ]

True. You can squeeze from either orientation of the clamp. But in a way, for those that were struggling with understanding how all the physics works, it helps to think of the driving direction correctly by flipping the clamp the opposite way when installing the replacement joint.

[@jtdouglas9535]

Was just going to say. Awesome video but clamp pressure comes from both sides equally. That's physics :) great video though

[@arnelachivar6743]

This is very valuable video. Now I found the courage to DIY the replacement of my truck's balljoint.

[@chrisfix]

Awesome!

[@chrisfix]

***** The split-ring flew to my right... Right after I said these things tend to fling haha.

[@joshslowmez6065]

YEAH I LIKE HOW IT DIDNT EVEN PHASE YOU COOL HEAD!!!

[@charlesbalogh9286]

+ChrisFix that's why they're called "Jesus" clips...as in JESUS where did that go ????

[@rosierodriguez1390]

+Josh Slowmez I am...

[@earlmatheny4611]

ChrisFix need traosson

[@chibanenasro4383]

Metrixe

[@WhaleBluePRS]

Boy this is a great video! The lighting/visibilty/camera work alone are worth the time to watch. The explanations are so simple, even a guitar player can do it! (Yes, that's an attempt at humor!) I have a 1980 El Camino and am doing shocks/springs/ball joints and tie rods. And whatever else I find along the way in there probably as well. Thank you for such a fantastic video!

[@peted2331]

Jesus... Could you be any more clear and detailed.. Awesome.

[@MyCarsandProjects]

Got one out with a shop press, but based on your video, I need to rent a ball joint tool kit from a local auto parts place. Thanks for the video.

[@chrisfix]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@garysmart1]

people out there please change your ball joint if start making noise, like me i just let it go suddenly it snap while driving 65 miles i thougth i was going to die or get hurt so bad

[@tamugrad07]

They don't always make noise when they go bad. It's best to have them checked every 50K miles. You can jack up the vehicle and place a lever of some kind under the tire and lift while somebody checks for movement between the spindle and the control arm. There should not be any. If the grease boot is damaged in any way, it needs to be changed as dirt and water has likely entered and compromised the ball area. If it is making noise, it has already been bad for a long time.

[@tomlarocque4720]

Chris fix has saved me thousands of $$ over the years. Me and my 2009 FJ cruiser are indebted to you ;)

[@9014jayvictor]

doing this tommorow have kit will travel

[@9014jayvictor]

I have been using this kit for weeks now and it works very well .. Nice video !

[@o.h.w-ok]

You've helped me with my car so many times, now you're helping with my sailboat! My keel bolts refuse to come out so I'll use this technique to squeeze 'em. Awesome!

[@KlrWolf]

Just use a BFH and beat out the old joint faster

[@davidsantoro9489]

great video you should be a teacher great job thanks

[@chrisfix]

David Santoro Thanks a lot David!

[@DanielMedina-xb7pf]

Great video! I love the way you get straight to the information! Some people will talk and tell us the whole background story and spend fifteen minutes telling us unimportant information. I never understood why people do that. Also they will repeat themselves three four maybe five times. They don’t understand that it’s a video and they don’t need to repeat themselves since we can rewind the video if we missed anything. Lol

[@djdaseca7111]

CLEAR AN EASY I SEE 759 THUMBS DOWN WHATS NOT TO LIKE ABOUT THE VIDEO

[@jtdouglas9535]

People just love to hate. This is an incredible video from every aspect

[@USfoolsgold]

Your videos are excellent. The clear step by step tutorial of this ball joint repair has saved my broke a$$. Thank you.

[@derpherpp]

Here another tip, don't buy that cheap ball joint press kit from harbor freight. It will waste ur time..

[@chrisfix]

Thanks for the tip! I was almost going to buy that one but I figured it was better to just rent a really good one for free. I guess I made the right choice!

[@mongobread]

ChrisFix and it'll be a long time till you set up a new ball joint.

[@chrisfix]

Ivan Rubio you are talking about with the harbor freight press?

[@mongobread]

Yes, the one you rented.

[@chrisfix]

Ivan Rubio The one I rented was from Advance Auto, not harbor freight. And this was a really good kit...

[@russellvandiver1625]

This was by far one of the best videos I have seen explaining how everything works in removal/install of ball joints! Thank you and great job! Russell

[@MisledDan]

For my application, both the upper and lower ball joints have the flanges at the very bottom instead. Therefore, the tip has to be removed on the pressing bolt with the ball joint nut threaded back on all the way and then placing the balljoint stud inside the hollow shaft to maintain alignment. From there, the bolt presses against the ball joint nut with the cup on the other side around the flange and the control arm resting on top.

[@SimpleLife1971]

Chris, Your videos are about the best I've seen so that you very much for taking the time to record, in GREAT detail, all the step by step procedures. The ball joint press will work the way you've shown to press the new joint in but you and also use the press without inverting it with the right adapter configuration, I do it all the time.. With the right tools and a bit of instruction we can do anything! Thanks!!

[@canuckfixit7722]

Great video. I just used one of these presses to change the ball joints on my PT Cruiser. Decided it was cheap enough now to buy one from Amazon and it'll be great for all future cars that i will own - even electric cars will still use ball joints. Works great **however** you must rotate the press through 180 deg (or 270 deg if you have room) to keep the joint going in straight. It is important to note that the press deflects a little under stress and thus the compression is not truly axial. Just a tip for those who have issues with joint not going in straight.