Jeep Liberty: Lower Ball joint

[@Ivo--]

I don't even watch these for the automotive content anymore, I just enjoy the banter.

[@SuperEoin09]

Yeah, same here. Is it me, or is almost every word Eric says the name of a Pub/Bar?

[@chicagophoneguy]

Early in the morning, wife and kids still sleeping, cup of coffee, and a new SMA video. Gonna be a good day...

[@hatfez]

"When can you fix it?" "Let's see, today's Tuesday, I'll have it done Friday." "But it's a 10 minute job?" "I don't have 10 minutes today, I'll have 10 minutes on Friday!"

[@markh.6687]

Every time my dad said "I need your help; it's a 2, 5, 10-minute job", I tripled the estimate.

[@ckm-mkc]

@@markh.6687 Tripled, that's generous. If a customer says it's 5min, it's probably two hours book rate, 3 hours real time....

[@roberttaylor5764]

ck m M

[@notajp]

If you wanted it back tomorrow, you should have brought it in yesterday.

[@scottyakoubian9238]

OMG!!! Trinity has grown so big!!!!! Dude- enjoy this time w your family. They grow up too fast.

[@trybriguy1357]

You know, people used to say that to me and I was like yea, I know. But you know what, times does go by so fast, and then you're left alone, they grow up, move out and your left with just pictures, videos, and the memories. So sad in a way, you so look forward to it and then, their gone, hold on Eric, and enjoy these wonderful days when she walks up and talks to you , you'll miss it one day!!!

[@jazko]

Exactly what I was thinking, she is adorable !

[@LAactor]

Forgot that was her name, although I heard him say it a few times. Just watched the one where he says he's named after Erik in CHiPs and one wonders, was she named after Trinity in the Matrix..

[@meabob]

We did so many of these lower ball joints back when the recall was new we could do both front lowers in 20 to 25 minutes. My personal record was 18 minutes but everything went perfectly smooth which is unusual for a Jeep or a Chrysler in general.

[@inspectorjavert5563]

why was there a recall for the lower ball joints?

[@eds3079]

@@inspectorjavert5563 When its not serviceable, it has NO option but to fail sooner than a greasable part. Too many failed sooner than expected.

[@2009jktj]

Back in my dealership days, there was a recall for 02-06 Liberty lower ball joints. Water could get into the ball joint and cause it to fail. So a new ball joint that had a bead of silicone around the top was installed. Book time was 1.1 hours for a 4x4 and 1 hour for a 4x2. After a little practice, both sides could be done in 15 minutes.

[@williamcantalamessa5231]

I always put ball joints in freezer for couple hours so they slip right in . Same with bearing races and bearings

[@stevenreynolds2327]

we keep our cylinder sleeves for commercial refrigeration compressors in a freezer

[@jimparker7778]

I used to know a guy who kept parts like that in his wife's panties drawer. Got 'em nice and cold.

[@WhalerGA]

I have to admit, I winced for just a second when I first started reading this.

[@jimparker7778]

@@WhalerGA In the first 30 seconds of the video Eric O. says "swollen nuts" twice without even taking a breath

[@dtnel]

Down in Australia I saw on TV that they actually take the bearing races and use liquid nitrogen in a tool built for that and then use a torch on the hubs. This is for the huge as mining equipment of course. That's how they get it done with no presses and they use a torch for removing the old races, sleeves, etc....

[@charlesmiller5078]

Money does talk, while driving a F-600 concrete pump rig I blew a engine at around 3am, had it towed to a Really small dealership in Monticello Fl. The owner told me it would take at least 2 weeks to put another engine into it, said plenty of farm trucks ahead of me and that was his bread an butter. I totally understood, but my boss didnt. He told me to hand the phone to the owner, the job was done in 2 days. I asked him how he got them to repair so quick, he said well to start with I offered him 3 times the estimate, plus we overnight him a brand new engine. Plus the owner gave me a huge watermelon to take home with me. It was maybe the best watermelon I ever tasted ( 1971 ). Money dosent Talk, it Screams.

[@thomasfischer6230]

This technique worked great for me. Way better than the book saying to take the knuckle off. Thank you sir.

[@shaneboggs2811]

I really enjoyed watching this, I'm doing my wife's Liberty tomorrow morning.. Thank you so much!

[@brianunangst4447]

Anytime I see a balljoint video, I think of ETCG and his welder. Why no welder? Is it even in, if you haven’t welded it?

[@Wildturkey10121]

Glad you are so busy, but I sure miss your videos they are a highlight of my day!

[@rbarger71]

Always brightens up one's day when someone is willing to throw down some extra Benjamins to maybe expedite the fix.

[@ericvardin5304]

It's unreal how much care you put in to cleaning up old surfaces and removing rust - it would be interesting to see how half assed this same job would be done at a lot of other shops.

[@flaburgastedbunny]

I have the same 06 liberty since I first learned to drive. I'm still riding in it for almost 7 years and it has almost 250k with virtually little maintenance. I'm really proud of this vehicle and I just now finally need new ball joints. Absolutely fantastic timing. I know jeeps get hate, but if you take care of it and you happen to live in the midwest or a rust belt state, this car can take a serious beating and I highly recommend it to all especially college commuters! They are cheap and most repairs are very easy. Thanks for the excellent tutorials as usual Eric and I hope everyone has a great week.

[@davecaselli1957]

Have an '02 Liberty (almost 180k miles now) Got it used at the end of '02 when the '03s came out. In its early life there was a recall I think twice to replace the lower ball joints. Recently I had the driver side replaced. It has that Moog with a grease fitting now. Most trouble i had has been with the radiator (replaced twice) and its cooling fan relay system. I recently opened up a passage to the engine compartment to wire in an override switch to run the fan on command. Paused for other work, and the garage is blocked with my table saw, but eventually I plan to get back to it. Now that I think about it, I replaced the upper control arm on the passenger side last year. It was supposed to have a grease fitting, but doesn't. Maybe some slick vendor from Rockauto swapped mine for the cheaper model ? Box label was correct.

[@HebrewTHEO]

Did you keep make a creaking noise when turnin the wheel ? Is that why you replace the ball joints ?

[@flaburgastedbunny]

@@HebrewTHEO it depends, best thing to do is to jack it up by the control arm so the weight is loaded on the vehicle and take a pry bar and put it under the wheel. Take your other hand and put it on the top of the tire, at the same time pry up on the tire with one hand and push in on the top of the tire with the other. If your ball joints are bad you will feel a pop when using this technique, it's good to have a buddy verify under the car to see what components of your front end actually have play. Another good test is wheel travel distance. When turning the wheel at low speeds, if you feel that it requires more force to move the wheel from one direction to the other it's most likely and indication that you have a ball joint that is binding.

[@llservice3376]

You would be a great automotive vo tech teacher, I'm 74 and I still remember my auto class (thats when they had that class in High School) Of course you would probably go broke. But after all these years I still remember Mr Stellatella my teacher. Learn a lot from that man

[@rhonda1950]

This guys is so great! Thanx you most of all for being a REAL person. God bless you and your's brother.

[@MiamiZombie2012]

Another great video to go with my coffee. I too just finished doing ball joints on my truck and took it in for an alignment. I did get the adjustments loose and bought the feller some donuts.

[@spelunkerd]

Great to see another ball joint, another SMA video. Would be even better to see that dead Suburban, ha ha. Always nice to see emergencies, solved by a pro on the run.

[@RichIsArrogant]

I have done so many 04 jeep liberty ball joints. 2 of them after they failed while I was driving them. You're doing the mechanical lords work.

[@1013redoak]

Thanks, hor another great video! I always enjoy seeing Mrs. O and her little mini-me as well! Your daughter is just precious!

[@JohnIsett]

I am so glad you dissed the "double clickers" whose insecurities and distrust of their own skills insist on not going with the first click. Well done, Eric, and it's why we love you!

[@The58stupot]

It looks easy when ya got all the right tools. Aint that the truth Eric. Greetings from England 🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@thejeepdoctor]

I’m a retired Jeep tech. Next time you try to remove lower joint, just use you air chisel with round blunt tip about the size of your little finger. I just flip the stud over to one side and hammer on it. I never used a joint press. I still have the cup I used to press it back in with. Used short blunt tip to buzz it back in with. Jeep had a recall on these. I could do them in my sleep. 😁

[@charlesstull4582]

U are by far the the best how to instructor person there is. Keep up the good work

[@TheDude666dude666]

Oh man was feelin bummed being in lockdown in Melbourne Australia, and within 2 minutes of watching you Eric I'm smiling thanks mate! And the neighbor with the mower hahahaha always

[@crisprtalk6963]

G'day mate!

[@TheDude666dude666]

@@crisprtalk6963 G'day mate right back bud! 😊

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

@@TheDude666dude666 That made my day. Some would get all bent like "everybody does tbat to me" but Aussie just takes it and gives it right back it's all good. Stay safe down there.

[@leonardodavinci303]

You have my sympathy in Melbourne Ozzieland!! Seems as tho you need to persuade some of your politicians to do a LONG walkabout....with surgically attached mask. Check out Dan Bongino podcast.

[@TheDude666dude666]

@@InsideOfMyOwnMind cheers mate 😉

[@markchidester6239]

Wow the kids are growing! Nice content, feel like we are watching them grow up! Mrs. O is looking lovely in her sun dress. Now that the important stuff is out of the way, I was screening "put the nut on the stud upside down then press it out!" Great video to have morning coffee with on a Saturday!

[@davidfederau5958]

I have a brother?!!

[@troycarothers8254]

3:58 Mowing the lawn, followed by the air compressor, the noon-time fire dept horn, Vinny, beep beep hey it's that guy, etc, etc. The sounds of SMA.

[@theuppercut]

Every blessed man has a blessed woman by their side. Mrs O is mad clutch for always making you lunch Mr. O. I need me a Mrs O :(, I remember once you were at the shop by yourself and you had to go to the gas station for a burrito special lol. Made me way happier when you showed us a video of her handing you a plate with a beautiful sandwich on it.. If that ain’t Love.. I don’t want it!

[@markcaldwell1245]

Just an idea when trying to remove the ball joint. To line up the bolt and keep it from moving off the C clamp take a socket the can fit over the end of the clamps head and use either a 3/8 or 1/2 drive to keep the bolt centered and from sliding off. To give credit you are the one that made me start thinking that way. Another great job.

[@walterk1221]

Eric, you forgot to show us the nifty OTC kit that keeps you from having to pick receiver cups, etc off the floor. Just kidding, I realize that with a backlog of appointment customers sometimes things just don't make it to video.

[@throttletherapy9998]

Going nuts trying to find out the OTC kit number, the snap on kit is like $800, I have the older OTC kit and it still works great but I would love a kit that the adapters stay in place

[@philw8704]

Walter K ; maybe Eric used the two minutes to take care of the drop-off in the parking lot before the Benjamins were blown away in the wind :-)

[@fuckjewtube69]

@@throttletherapy9998 The Snap On kit is worth it though. I have it and that thing will survive a direct nuclear blast.

[@fomoco300k]

Keith Morris, BJPXR9. Jim the car Guy has a “review” of it on you tube. It’s actually just an unboxing, but the video title says review.

[@ImLivin6]

Everything will work ... as long as it works! A positive approach is half of the battle.

[@bobweaver4099]

I moved to California from Ohio in 1970.. I had a 55 Chevy and could not believe how easy everything came apart.. no Rust... I loved it in Cal..

[@hellcat1962]

16 year old Jeep still on the road. Scotty would have a fit.

[@tom535]

LOL,, BUT True..

[@five0pd310]

Endless money pit. Rust doesn't grow on a Toyota! haha

[@markh.6687]

Scotty would be amazed it still runs, let alone is driveable. Rev up your scan tools!

[@neilmurphy845]

@@markh.6687 You forgot about the 5000 doller scan tool

[@Tony_W45241]

What click bait video title would Scotty come up with to talk about that?

[@Yawwee]

That was a nice straight forward job without any head aches !!!! Well done. Mrs. O. looks pretty today in her fashionable dress. She is flashing that big beautiful smile at you Eric !!! Looks to be in a good mood. Your daughter is cute with all them curly lengths of hair !!! Yes, with the right tools, it makes the job go so much smoother and faster !!!! Maximizes profits too !!!! : - )

[@miker1681]

Oddly enough i found myself entertained but most importantly you gave good mechanical advice thanks for both

[@danielsmith1892]

when I worked at Jeep and we had to replace these under the recall, we got it down to about 20 minutes. I always used air hammer with small tip to get the old ball joint out rather then the ball joint remover, so much easier and faster.

[@williamdyckman9704]

Eric, my wife has a jeep, so interesting to me. Enjoy your video's very much with your humor and knowledge shared. Thanks !!

[@tomoakhill8825]

Oh goody. Another video with wrenches. I love these! I could watch them all day long.

[@ethanbriggs8604]

Slip an oversize socket over the stud and driver as a sleeve to keep the stud from slipping off the press cap. time stamp 4:54

[@Dadjokes4U]

This is exactly what I needed, I’m about to do this job on my ‘09, I think it’s pretty similar. Every other video shows them disassembling down to the knuckle. It looks as though that isn’t necessary. Fingers crossed and thanks for your awesome channel! Peace from Flint, MI, your sister city of rust!

[@scflooring8658]

Your videos are very educational and some of the few that I don’t find myself skipping through I enjoy watching the entire video it must be the great commentary and all the entertainment. Thanks Dr. O keep them coming!!

[@vadenkwin]

I just replaced the lower ball joints and control arms on the wifes 2010 Charger RT. Had them all done at a shop 18 months ago only to find out they didn't change the lower ball joints which were about to disintegrate, didn't install the zerks and didn't lube anything. It was 113 in the garage that day and I pulled and pressed rusty ball joints with the Harbor Freight Earthquake XT 3/8" 20v and it moved those ball joints like a pro! Im glad your doing it and not me today!

[@JudyDesrosiers-xq8op]

Best video in simply put instructions for the installation of a new ball joint for jeep liberty I've found

[@donerickson1954]

See now this is why I watch Eric's videos. I get to learn so many new ways to improperly use tools to get the job done.

[@tedmortensen5619]

This guy is fantastic, just what I was looking for in my search.

[@kastooMcFry]

Your daughter has gotten so big! She's adorable. Also like the cutoff wheel trick. Thanks, Eric.

[@charlescartwright6367]

I've been following you for almost a year now, and I am amazed at the rust under those vehicles, I thought Hawaii had rust!

[@usmale47374]

You're clearly a tot-notch mechanic, Eric, and--more importantly--you're one funny guy. That, and you have an equally entertaining family. Three thumbs up--I had to borrrow one .:)

[@antony580]

Great job Eric, yet again. The only thing bothering me is the amount of people telling you how to do your job in the comment section... Don't know how you cope with that. Anyway, it's always a pleasure to watch your videos, it really is.

[@bubbabentley3537]

Thank you for helping me with my lbj job!!!

[@johnstarkey5366]

I liked the cutoff wheel trick to clean up the ball joint mounting location.

[@elcheapo5302]

You can tell Eric is a pro because he only drops the grease fitting once. I'd still be there fussing with it.

[@jeffkalte2929]

"we are not sending this into space" Legend!

[@stevenreynolds2327]

and if they were, I sure as hell wouldn't be in it.

[@WhalerGA]

My late father was adamant about using a torque wrench for a lot of things (but not everything). He spent most of his career in quality control for a NASA and military contractor so it makes perfect sense in light of his perspective.

[@Shockedbywater]

Not only do you have a real partner in life with Mrs O, she is beautiful too. Life is good.

[@enriqueflores1461]

Nice dress BTW! Luckey man Mr O!!!!

[@markh.6687]

She is "very easy on the eyes", as an old saying goes.

[@steved7610]

...and the look in her eyes when she looks at Eric.

[@throttlebottle5906]

to clean the flat of knuckle/bore a few cup wire wheels with diameter close and oversize works well. put in small drill/right angle cordless, whichever fits best.

[@wurlycorner]

Nicely done - I've been putting off this job on my Prelude (has basically the same setup on the front lower ball joints) because I couldn't suss the best way to get the balljoint out. Sorted!

[@michaelparker9886]

I love the astro light you use bought one for myself best drop light ever

[@nwalker8866]

AKA the “rust never sleeps” channel!!

[@lawrenceengel3330]

Good solid quality real world fixes, that is why I love SMA 👍

[@jeremiegrund]

Beautiful family Eric O! Thank you so much for allowing us a peek into your world.

[@frankallenjr7251]

Glad to see Im not the only one that has the air tool going in the wrong direction when doing a job.

[@GREASERVILLA]

Awesome video sir Liked and Subbed, I'm getting ready to replacing upper control arms, lower ball joints, swaybar links and probably the tie rods on a 05 liberty and this helped alot. I probably will have to remove the whole knuckle for that. Not sure if I should just change out the struts while I'm at it.

[@mikeafa1]

Hey Eric, why the short videos? Missed the long ones and the typical day in the shop videos. Never a dull moment over there. Mike from Long Island, NY.

[@calm4477]

Ah, you made that look easy, I thought it was going to give you more problems than it did. Correct tools make life easy, DIY would've been a different story 😲

[@phillloyd8625]

Another great video. You have inspired me to work on our cars/suv's. It sure saves money 👍

[@G31mR]

Do my mechanics (both dealership and independent) go to the trouble to clean up the mating surfaces like Eric does?? Somehow, I doubt it...... Still trying to figure out why the ball joints weren't replaced when they replaced those tie rod ends..................................

[@brianmason1414]

Only speaking for myself, I do clean the surfaces as well, and good point on the ball joints. Had a '00 F250 4x4 come in for MVI. Whole front end had been redone INCLUDING new u-joints in the front 4x4 axles....BUT they didn't replace the stupid ball joints, and guess what it failed inspection for?

[@300DBenz]

I always clean them up, it makes them go back together easier.

[@niteriderevo9179]

those very balljoints, i bet.. lol not good to have those going bad..

[@andrewps84]

I’m doing my lower ball joint (other side was already done last summer); I don’t have the benefit of a lift so I had to remove the knuckle to do the rest off the car. I also found out that my upper ball joint is toast so another project. Thanks for sharing.

[@mattlonproctor7221]

Man why did you have to live so far! LOL I have the same Jeep same problem and I am not a mechanic I'm good at following directions but this is just too much for me. It is a great tutorial man I appreciate you and like I said I wish you lived in Connecticut! Take care keep doing your videos.

[@jackgreen412]

I sympathize with the swolen nut. Problem which can be uncomfortable. Glad yo see there i s a viable solution.

[@sefaucon3839]

Hello I have been watching you for long time , and with the quality of work you are doing , i would be working for you any time and be proud of it Keep up the good work and your honesty Se ( from Mtl ) 🚗🚗🚗👍👍👍

[@kittty2005]

@5:11 Put a socket over the punch and place the bolt in the drive end,it'll give you a little more control,but not much.

[@richardchurch3146]

The best reason to wear your "safety squints" just walked thru the door in a sundress. It would be a shame to miss that due to eye injury!

[@gieauto7175]

A face shield would I sure the view.

[@LAactor]

I saw that cutoff wheel thing and as long as he knows what he's doing. Me? I wouldn't know where to put my face so a chunk actually wouldn't blow off in my cheek. Just my luck it would, so he's a better man than me, I'd let him do it as opposed to doing it myself..

[@unclebs4732]

In 2003, and I worked at a D-C-J dealer and I change a few lower bj's on 2002 Liberty's, it was a recall. We got .9 to change both lowers and install heat shields, my best time was .8.

[@TheSkipinatorVids]

"That's just me being a wuss. I didn't even need my safety glasses." 30 seconds later... "Ow! Right in the eye!"

[@JF-jm3nb]

You make my day, coffee breakfast and SMA video. Mrs O as always gorgeous. But one thing no break cleaner use uhm...:)

[@miketanner1920]

Really enjoy your videos on the mechanical components, wiring still confusing but you explanation are really helpful so thank's dude, from the north in Canada take care and stay safe

[@dudekbubek7914]

Hey Eric you inspire me everyday! so I put “new” alloys on my car and f up handbrake because the bolts where to long this is not a complain more like amusing story I was not laughing

[@chrystalwoosley5444]

Thanks for sharing. Easier than pulling the whole thing apart..

[@bigboy999555444]

Glad I'm not the only one that uses cutting wheels like that

[@keepingitcleanwithmrlee6696]

Bought my 04 liberty for $500. Still running strong 💪

[@throttlebottle5906]

so about scrap price? maybe you got lucky and some sucker kept it in good shape mechanically ;)

[@keepingitcleanwithmrlee6696]

@@throttlebottle5906 it had absolutely no oil when I went to pick it up. But I got if right after about $250. Valve cover gaskets are a must on the 04 liberty with 3.7..

[@R_Wilkins_Sr]

Good video brother! Doing my 07 same...lower ball joints

[@steveb6103]

That pup is growing fast ! OTC makes some nice tools and they are 60 miles away from me.

[@ralphwaters8905]

I see the steering tie rod end was also new. Makes me wonder why we don't R&R the upper ball joint at the same time and be done with it. Do these not fail as often, perhaps because the boot lasts better up there, out of harm's way?

[@doctorjohn-burgtekie]

Glad the Moog ball joint not a sponsor comes with extra nuts, my wife took mine several years ago.

[@g.fortin3228]

It'l work as long as it works, until it doesn't ! YES ! Nice Job man.

[@joshuakm1]

I'm sure this comment has been worn out: I really want some SMA gear but was told (I can't remember by who) that t-shirts without pockets were called "rags." Just kidding around. I love this channel.

[@rgmoore]

Use a socket on the end of the drive screw and that keeps the stud from popping off. Thanks for sharing.

[@billscott2472]

Enjoy your humor in the video's. Watching while having coffee

[@raymondhorvatin1050]

Another job well done Ireally enjoy the banter on your videos almost like stand up

[@daveyio87]

I love that new ball joint kit, i don't do enough ball joints to justify trading my old one in for a new one. I love when vehicles are dropped off with out appointments and people think its going to get in asap. You just don't show up at the DR's office and expect to get in right? People drive there cars until they break then expect to get them fixed yesterday... Anyways Keep up the good work!

[@chevyman7021]

You always make it look super easy, if i was doing it iwould have to fight it for hours.

[@jonathanosborne9889]

Love your family shop good video I would drive from Florida to New York to have you work on my Hyundai thanks again

[@jeremymurphy7320]

Power's been out in Cedar Rapids, IA since Monday and this is definitely a treat

[@dgecse]

Nice! Looks like we missed the outer tie rod and bearing installs!

[@TimMcArdle]

Just got my new SMA shirt the other day! Thanks 👍

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Good job. Hello to Mrs. O in summer uniform. Must be hot there. 103 yesterday here in Palmdale Ca, posed to be 107 to 108 today.

[@baxrok2.]

Easy peasy for SMA. Thanks Dr. O!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

The new matco aka Otc Ball Joint press with the multi Bearing retention Adapter cups is amazing tool to stop you from doing it old school and dropping the adapter cups 50 times a minute @SouthMainAutoRepairLLC

[@thomasshaffer8547]

obviously some new tie-rod ends that I missed somewhere. I was worried about the wiz wheel for you!!! but great stuff as always.