Subaru Ball Joint Replacement - Not Always EASY!

[@ozzstars_cars]

**MOOG K9153 Ball Joint and Bolt** amzn.to/3elKcnu **Fluid Film Corrosion Inhibitor** amzn.to/3tZ2cdK **Ingersoll Rand 114GQC Air Hammer** amzn.to/2QMkL6p **Subaru OEM Pinch Bolt 901000060** amzn.to/3euZMx0

[@mikequinlan3308]

Thank you for this. It reconfirms that paying 400 to have both front ball joints replaced was money well spent. The pinch bolts are a nightmare. For anyone watching who lives in an area that sees winter and salt, this video is far more realistic than Mr Subaru's 15-minute ball joint replacement video.

[@ozzstars_cars]

You are right Mike for someone with minimal mechanical experience 4 hundy is a good bargain! Thanks for the comment, I keep things real. -Glen

[@mattbrown9484]

Dealer wants 750 for two fronts so I’d jump 400 in a second

[@tarap5618]

When it comes to Subie suspension parts in the rust belt, ONLY having to get to Plan C is an awesome day!!! I felt that, "oh I need a lift." lol 😂🤣😂 Great video!!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Thanks Tara!

[@philipdecicco2096]

Thanks for this video! You confirmed that it is doable and I was getting pretty discouraged seeing all these videos of people smacking it a few times and it coming loose. I've been banging on this thing for several days, using PBBlaster, sledge hammer with wood on control arm, directly on control arm, hitting with chisel on side of ball joint ... nothing budging! Got my 2013 Outback from my brother who lives in Iowa, and I am in NJ. I just borrowed a pneumatic hammer from my neighbor and now hoping that will do the trick!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Good luck with the fix. Let us know how it goes.

[@bedo638]

Hi, today I replaced this ball joint, it was factory one removal after 16 years in Indiana / Slovakia wheater... It was about drilling cutting hammering :) nice 3-hour job :D

[@ozzstars_cars]

It's not easy!

[@davidclark5138]

Using a large / giant sized adjustable pipe wrench and a good amount of human muscles yo can twist them ball joint sockets from the control arm sockets after the pinch bolts are out.

[@joshuafino3560]

this is the realest video on the internet

[@ozzstars_cars]

Thanks Josh, we are keeping it real!

[@idaolea8172]

used 2 days to drill out stuck bolt who holds ball joint in hole. and used ours to get ball joint out of hole. remove all rust in hole, fill hole with grease, so it dosent rust stuck, so next time i replaze it, its easy to replaze. also have oil\grease on bolts, so they dont rust stuck

[@JasonBubbastaxrefundDawson]

Put a piece of steel in the spindle slit and run the pinch bolt in through the opposite side backwards to help spread the opening some

[@ozzstars_cars]

Interesting trick!

[@dgreen8388]

Today I was replacing a bad CV axle in my 2011 Forester and figured I may as well replace the ball joint while I'm down there. Well, it took me 4 hours lol (I live in the rust belt). I beat on that ball joint for over an hour and finally broke down and bought an air hammer. Had it out in 10 minutes lmao.. CV axle went in in 10 minutes. Corrosion is no joke. Weirdly enough, I had very little trouble with my pinch bolt 🤷‍♂️ a little PB blaster and some back and forth with my m12 stubby and it came right out. Very helpful video, tho!

[@stevenhauser653]

Here's a trick: take the control arm off the ball joint, soak it with fluid and rip off the rubber around it. Then vice grip where the rubber was, heat up and pivot back and fourth. Once it is loose, place the control arm back on and whack it with a sledge hammer and chisel. The whole idea is to loosen up the rust by pivoting it back and fourth and use heat also. Whacking it with a heavy sledge hammer for two hours did not work but this did.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Wacking it off got the job done.👍

[@byloyuripka9624]

​@@ozzstars_carsso you should loosen up before whackin off?? thank you for clarification

[@stuzman52]

Okay Glen, for all the things that you showed, that's why I hate doing ball joints. One thing that I found with ball joints that use a pinch bolt is taking a cold chisel to slightly open it up the slot. The joint comes out and in a little easier. Also, I've got the same 3/8" and 1/2" Dewalt impacts that you used which have been great. And I'm still trying to figure out when you said, "Torch the sheez out of it." Not sure what sheez means. LOL... Have a good one Glen! 😊👍

[@ozzstars_cars]

I tried the cold chisel trick which got cut and didn't make it into the video. That sucker is Pennsylvania road salt rust welded! That shizz was fun. Take care

[@Iwillnotbepushed]

Did the upper and lower ball joints on my E350 SD today thanks to one of your videos. Driver’s side lower was locked in there beyond belief. Until I bashed it with a ball peen hammer. Passenger side literally fell off after retention but and upper friction clamp were loosened.

[@wyattoneable]

I like those thread checker do-dads. That's a job for people with patients. Well done Glen.

[@ozzstars_cars]

I was determined to save the car owner $150 and not have to buy a new OEM knuckle which would make this a 30 minute job.

[@paddler-sn7ub]

Exact issue I’m facing at the moment. My car remains on jackstands as I scour KZbin for tricks and tips. Your video was super helpful, especially the breakdown as to why we are facing this issue. I broke out everything to try to remove it peacefully…sighs…it’s WaR

[@ozzstars_cars]

Hopefully your Subaru will be back on the road soon.

[@iknowgood2403]

How did you fair?

[@herb414]

@@iknowgood2403 makes me nervous to do it tomorrow on my crusty 02 Impreza

[@RustyGlovebox]

Just how much more fun can one person have in one day...LOL. Great job there Glen

[@ozzstars_cars]

A real blast! 😂

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Wow at how hot the impact wrench got that the pb blaster was smoking off the extention

[@joewarrick6043]

I’m doing this job right now on my 08 tribeca. Along with the big donut bushing. My pinch bolt broke and I’m having a hell of a time getting the threaded end out. The head half is out so there is till about 3/4 of the bolt still seized in there. I’m doing it while on the car. Extractors are just breaking. Not sure if I should drill it out then try to rethread it or not. I was typing this as you showed what to do if that happens lol and my air hammer broke during this . And the bolt is spinning on me too lol. At least they are consistent with the bad issues lol

[@ozzstars_cars]

Drill, heat, cut. What ever it takes. A tough battle!

[@joewarrick6043]

@@ozzstars_cars was not so bad after I went and bought a good set of drill bits? Got it outta there pretty easy after I got them. Then I just put a bolt all the way through with a nut on it rather than rethreading it

[@ozzstars_cars]

@@joewarrick6043 grade 8

[@summerfox9292]

Great video, more than anything what i learned is patience. I am going through the same in my '07 Forester. Thanks for the tips

[@ozzstars_cars]

This is one job you can't rush or pay the consequences.

[@RingZero]

Totally agree on Ozzstar's suggestion, you can't rush. I had to do my son's outback and was dreading the breakage of the pinch bolt. I did not even want to attempt it with my IR Thundergun so I said my prayers and tried by a hand wrench..little lefty..little righty.....have patience...then once again ..lefty...righty..just a millimeter at a time and then you will get it. Don't get excited and go for your impact, let it come out at least a qtr with hand wrench. Use the Astro 78620 tool ($24 on Amzn) to pull the ball joint out, its worth the money. Before installing the new ball joint, clean the knuckle bore and apply thin layer of anti seize or silicone grease in the bore and on the head of the ball joint. Hopefully that will help you with the next replacement. Wish you all the best brother!

[@TheDisBeat]

Currently in the middle of doing both lowers on my 08 forester. Pb blaster multiple times for 4 days. Bolt still broke. Ez out wouldn’t work so I ended up drilling out the bolt that was broke only in the threads. I ordered a 65mm m10 grade 10 flanged bolt and flanged nut to put back in how most cars are. Crazy how Subaru recalled lower control arms and they still were crap after recall was completed

[@ozzstars_cars]

They make great paper weights. haha

[@vihreelinja4743]

i got new arms installed on my 05 forester from the recall but stealership refused to change the ball joints after they snapped the bolt when removing the NUT from the pinch bolt. i'm thinking about pouring gasoline on it and calling the insurance company ;( they gave me the new ball joints and wished me good luck.. i have been spaying vinegar on to the bolt for about a month nearly every day.. vinegar is good for rust removal but i'm not too positive it will help on this one :( Road salt here in Finland is not a thing to have fun with.

[@donaldfung7759]

I'm going to try and use an impact wrench on the ball joint pinch bolt too. Hopefully it doesn't snap on me

[@iknowgood2403]

I would not bang on any joint that way. Maybe put a wedge into the slot and pry it open a bit first.

[@brianfarnell9833]

Thanks for this. Your struggles confirm I’m going to pay for the service instead of DIY. Car spent half its life in New England. So likely a similar rust situation. What a nightmare!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Smart man Brian!

[@sixtyfiveford]

You're having too much fun.

[@tyrellhardie8521]

Thank you foe this amazing video took me hours of trying to figure out this issue and all it took was some air

[@ozzstars_cars]

Nice! Glad it helped you. -Glen

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good in depth video Glenn nice work brother

[@ozzstars_cars]

Thanks

[@spelunkerd]

Great job, Glen. Funny to see how many people cuss over that stupid thing. Because of the design, in a blind hole, you can't tap it directly from above. And that pinch bolt seems to invite water and corrosion. I think the older design, with a really long bolt, was worse. Eric O demonstrated a special tool made by Astro (78620) for getting that thing out. I think Astro might have watched some of his old videos where he made something similar, ha ha. You showed the problem really well, with excellent lighting.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Yeah the design seems really antiquate. Must be inexpensive because Subaru has used it for years. Thanks for the comment Dave.

[@jamessilverton8640]

Your sway bar link looked like it was still attached when you were trying to hammer it out. Disconnect link first then beat on it.

[@themechanic6117]

putting up the good fight. i have that astro tool for removing these balljoints. mine hasnt been used yet because i dont get many subarus here

[@ozzstars_cars]

Now ya tell me Jonathan?? I could have borrowed yours, promise to return it. haha 😁

[@dini9190]

I’ve hit the stud with a hammer and now I can’t get the nut back on to pull the joint out any ideas? I have basic tools

[@ozzstars_cars]

That's a tough spot to be in. Without more advanced tools ut would probably be cheaper to buy a brand new knuckle.

[@dini9190]

@@ozzstars_cars anything I should try before buying a new part what tools du think I could get I don’t mind spending on tools

[@ozzstars_cars]

@@dini9190 air compressor, air hose, air hammer, cut off wheel, welder. Stuff like that. 👍

[@Americansikkunt]

Do I need a “castle socket” to remove the castle nut? Or can I remove the cotter pin and use a normal socket?

[@ozzstars_cars]

Normal socket.

[@bunburner4850]

Just went through this today. What a nightmare and what an overlook by Subaru. I drilled them out, put through bolts in with a locking nut. At least next time i can just cut the nut off if all goes bad. Heated and drenched in any sort of rust penetration remedy you can think of and still wouldn't budge. Welded a nut on the back side, tried to spin it out and nothing. Drilled 90% through and tried an extractor. Still nope. Never again will i use a threaded nut on a pinch lock. What a joke of a design.

[@ozzstars_cars]

At that point of rusty and crusty it's worth buying a new knuckle.

[@bunburner4850]

@@ozzstars_cars the knuckle itself was fine, and I couldn't see the point in installing the same fouled engineering back in place. Hence why I drilled it out and installed a through bolt with a locking nut and plenty of anti seize.

[@RobertEdwardsSr-g6h]

What can be done to remove the thread part of ball joint out of lower control arm??

[@ozzstars_cars]

Drill and tap, or maybe get lucky with an extractor.

[@kathyoliveri8909]

Just completed ball joints on 17 Forester and I could not have done it without using an air hammer.

[@ozzstars_cars]

It's fun stuff! Not!

[@michaelbailey5736]

Nightmare on my 2011 outback. Pinxh bolt sheared off. Drilled out the bolt balljoint froze onto its cup.

[@eliwhelan7536]

Thank you so much for this! Since I'm replacing the control arm I just hit it with a sledge hammer once everything g else was disconnected and after hitting it with my purse(lol 😂) it came out

[@ozzstars_cars]

Glad it helped! Must be a big purse?! Haha

[@user-nm8pp2ii2n]

Great video! I'm about to attempt to do this and more

[@ozzstars_cars]

Take your time and good luck!

[@NightmareBeatz419]

My ball joint separated from socket and the socket is now stuck in the knuckle are there any tips on how I could get it out?

[@ozzstars_cars]

Cutting torch, air chisel, drill. Or replace the entire knuckle.

[@NightmareBeatz419]

@@ozzstars_cars ok thanks for the input and response

[@MrSoulMonk]

Great tutorial! Am I correct in understanding that you undo the lower end link that connects to the control arm, remove the castle nut and the cotter pin on the bottom of the ball joint, remove the pinch bolt and then use the bar/wood piece to hammer down the control arm?

[@ozzstars_cars]

Loosen the ball joint castle nut and remove the cotter. Then hand snug the castle nut and beat the crap out of the control arm to yank yhe ball joint out. If your lucky it will work.

[@JF0913]

Great Job any recommendations on after market axles for Subaru. The dealer oem axles are so expensive. I’m reading forums that say after market ones are garbage and you will experience vibration when stopped. Your thoughts are valued and much appreciated

[@clifford_2zero7]

20:02 😂😂😂 very relatable 🤣🤣 That's a great feeling tho when that happens hahahah

[@clifford_2zero7]

I did 3/4 wheel bearings on my 111k MI 2018 wrx and I've NEVER done a job that was worse that the rear drivers side. Unfortunately I have the other rear one left that I've been procrastinating because it's such a bitch. I was prepared too 😂😂😂. I'd rather remove the transmission in my camaro alone and pull the heads than do that damn hub job 🤣 Not looking forward to it. I've decided to replace all ball joints though (only one is technically bad) also, struts (blisteins) etc. Just freshen her up. I live in maine on crap backroads. Suspension is a lil beat from the roads.

[@ozzstars_cars]

That Maine winter salt is doing it's thing. Not fun at all! Sometimes it's easier just to buy a new knuckle or lower control arm and start new. I feel your pain Cliff! Take care -Glen

[@timblackhurst8883]

Awesome video. But my brother in Christ, you saw how hard with all the corrosion it was to get that pinch bolt out... Blue lock tite on the replacement threads 😳

[@ozzstars_cars]

@@timblackhurst8883 nothing beats rust lock!. LoL

[@CarsExposed]

Too work Glen 👍

[@harleym3656]

This might be a dumb question. Why not use grease on those ball joints to keep them from rusting. I'm not a mechanic just work in my garage, Great video.

[@ozzstars_cars]

That's why the fluid film is applied before the new ball joint was installed. Corrosion resistence but over time it will wash away.

[@TheShangralaaaa17]

this design doesn't allow any grease points.

[@jamescampbell2829]

Great video brother

[@ozzstars_cars]

Thanks James

[@MattHeere]

Is there any value in hosing that thing down periodically with something to drive the water out and maybe inhibit the rust? We've got a '19 Outback and I haven't looked to see if it's the same, but a shot of "can of miracle" once in a while would be easy enough. Oh and love the bungee jumping brake caliper - good call leaving that in.

[@ozzstars_cars]

I believe Subbie still uses the same pinch bolt ball joint design. I would doosch the pinch bolt slot down maybe once every year or two. Pull the pinch bolt out which is easily done before the rust welds it in and coat with anti seize once every 5 years. Torque to spec. In 15 years the next guy will have a gravy job replacement.

[@MattHeere]

@@ozzstars_cars Thanks Glen - I'll spray the ... "shiz" out of it ;)

[@ozzstars_cars]

@@MattHeere while your blast'in remember to say out loud no rustizzle for shizzle. Guaranteed results. 😁 Have a great weekend Matt.

[@DrHumorous]

Subaru Joint Puller

[@ozzstars_cars]

I could use one. Any suggestion which brand?

[@aygwm]

Astro

[@teo2975]

I am in the middle of a lower control arm with ball joint replacement on a 2016 forester. You give the ball joint stem a pounding, and also were able to adjust stem angle as you went. this is almost imposible with ball joint alread in lca. I cleaned the knuckle well, lubed it and just for the life of me cannot get the friggen ball joint in the knuckle. I have tried it with all other lca connections off, and also wiht them on but loose. I did attempt to spread pinch seam with a screwdriver but I am reticent to try with a cold chisel, because after lucking out without busting the pinch bolt which was rusted as heck, I don't want to break the ears on the knuckle. shoudl I take the preinstalled ball joint out of the new LCA? When I remove castle nut the stem feels like it is the LCA monster tight. I cant use the method I used to take the old one off since I destroyed the ball joint boot in the process. I've tried a jack under the lca at the ball joint as well, but it just jams up at an angle.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Clean out the crusty rusty pocket really well. I have installed Subie ball joints fairly easily with them mounted in the control arm and the knuckle on the car. A good blow hammer or block of wood and a BFHammer.

[@mrb1864]

clean hole with a die grinder or drill with emery cloth wrap so it proper smooth clean metal . use an old chisel with appropriate taper tapped into knuckle slot to open it a little (chisel should already be in the knuckle as it helps release some rust jacking pressure and aid removing joint easier .

[@mrb1864]

I do lot of these and chisel with right taper driven in slot can be pretty helpful in releasing some tension from the rust jacking and allowing penetrating oil soak in and soften some of the crud. massaging around the knuckle and the pinch bolt before removal with air hammer can work out useful too . On real rusted ones the pinch bolt is more time deal with than pulling the ball joint . Genuine or aisin balljoints best replacements if don't want it become regular job. Genuine is pretty cheap if hunt around .

[@ozzstars_cars]

We can both agree they can be fun to replace! haha Thanks for the comment.

[@trusted_traveler]

Just did my 09 Forester 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫 had to replace the knuckles, the corrosion was so bad the ball joints were welded to it. Mind you I just bought this damn thing, prior maintenance absolute garbage

[@ozzstars_cars]

At least now the car has a good home with somebody like yourself that cares.

[@colarmstrong57]

Just had mine changed, now for the other side 🤦🏻‍♂️😁

[@ozzstars_cars]

Fun stuff, just add rust! haha

[@colarmstrong57]

@@ozzstars_cars I'm in the UK so don't worry about that 🤦🏻‍♂️ our salt air doesn't help, times I wish I lived in Cali or somewhere 😁👏🏽

[@joeday397]

Just did this on a 2001 Wisconsin outback...talk about worse case scenario,pinch bolt busted off

[@ozzstars_cars]

Oh man, I feel your pain. Sucks when that happens!

[@mattadams6641]

Great vid it's good to see it all in real time

[@ozzstars_cars]

Working on a 2011 Outback as I type this. New right front CV axle and a ball joint!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

That ball joint didn't want to come out

[@ozzstars_cars]

It sure didn't.

[@mirose5553]

Good, realistic video. I’m laughing … only because I just swapped out my thrust and control arms - Plan A, B, C, D … X, and then back to A. Three out of 4 came out with a separator. But one SOB refused to budge: Pickle Fork, separator, joint puller, impact hammer, kicked it … hurt my foot … kicked it again, gave up, returned and compressed and dropped the springs, sledge on the nut, sledge on the bolt, sledge on the knuckle - nothing. I even torched the knuckle a bit (Dᴏ Nᴏᴛ Tᴏʀᴄʜ - Dᴀɴɢᴇʀᴏᴜs) trying not to burn good rubber and grease. Smoked a pack of cigarettes, prayed the Rosary, and went back to the separator, going way past my level of comfort and safety that I even feared that my tool was going to break … and then damn it came violently flying out (I was wearing safety goggles, gloves, and a full Ballistic Transformer suit at this point). Five to 10 minutes per each joint, 3 hours for the last one. I live in the South - so, not too much salt but lots of rain + humidity still = Rᴜsᴛ. I think the best method is Wʜᴀᴛᴇᴠᴇʀ Wᴏʀᴋs and Pᴀᴛᴇɴᴄᴇ. And the 30 second Pro Tips / Full Proof Hacks are … well … just fill in the blanks.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Now that's real life! Nothing like a 5 minute job taking 3 hours! Great comment.

[@nickphelan6159]

thanks for this

[@ozzstars_cars]

You're welcome.

[@billveatch5927]

Loved it thank you

[@ozzstars_cars]

You're welcome Bill

[@robbiesharp311]

Broke the pinch bolt. Heated it and got the broken part out/easy out then broke the knuckle pinching the new joint in....waiting in Utah for a new knuckle delivery. Horrible design I must say.

[@ozzstars_cars]

They can be a real pain when the rust has set in.

[@robbiesharp311]

I'm in school in Utah so they covered the cost of the knuckle. 😂 lucky.

[@robbiesharp311]

@@ozzstars_cars great video.

[@jukeboxzero1]

@@robbiesharp311 They covered the cost because you are in school? I'm also in Utah. Noticed the control arms on my Bugeye are pretty corroded so just ordered the Subaru repair (control arm replacement) kit at a reasonable price ($119 for both arms w/ball joints). Hope i can get the pinch bolts and old ball joints out!

[@thefish8002]

Whatever you do, DO NOT USE a torch! The grease will explode and shoot the ball joint out. My father almost died today. The entire ball joint went through his right eye socket and lodged inside his head. I never knew it was a thing until today.

[@vihreelinja4743]

i had a brake hose stuck in the caliper. took it out and mounted on a vice. the hose itself was blocked from old age. i gave it HEAT. went out for a sig and the whole freaking hose EXPLODED and sprayed HOT brakefluid around the garage walls.. HEAT can be REALLY dangerous.

[@RobWormaldPlus]

every time I watch one of these I thank my lucky stars I don't have to deal with rust where I live... yikes

[@ozzstars_cars]

You're lucky Rob. The footage that didn't make it in the video is pretty colorful if you know what I mean? haha

[@TheShangralaaaa17]

picklefork tool doesn't work on a subaru. there's too large of a gap for it to be effective

[@ozzstars_cars]

There is more than just one size fork. Did you know that?

[@TheShangralaaaa17]

sure you could buy the largest one you can find at HF I guess and hope it works. or just use a press tool instead.

[@ozzstars_cars]

@@TheShangralaaaa17 I believe the forks I own are Lisle brand, haven't looked for about 25 years that I own the set.

[@TootSocialTV]

Been fixing problems on a friend's 2010 Forester. What a poorly designed vehicle in terms of reliability and fixability. I don't know why there are such cult followers of this brand.

[@ozzstars_cars]

@@TootSocialTV they aren't bad cars for the value. Relatively reliable.

[@Lolita1-ri4uq]

Where you at? i rather pay than go thru this.....

[@ozzstars_cars]

@@Lolita1-ri4uq I'm in Delaware.

[@makosharkcnc7730]

you must feel sore after working on it

[@ozzstars_cars]

All in a days work, use to it.

[@txsviking]

That's not a job for the squeamish.

[@TheOutwiththeold]

astro 78620 done...

[@ozzstars_cars]

Now if they only had a tool to easily get out that rusty pinch bolt!