Chrysler 200 - Front Lower Ball Joint

[@josephchamberlain9129]

As an avid KZbinr I can honestly say you are by far the most knowledgeable mechanic I have found. Real world experience and honest no nonsense approach. I enjoy every episode. Good photography and sound too.

[@sandybarnes887]

You might like Ivan in Pine Hollow

[@MakersEase]

Those two.. I agree 100%

[@MacAutoDiag]

You must've never heard of pine hollow Auto diagnostics. Now that guy is unsurpassed

[@jamesofallthings3684]

Just say "as a douchebag" that goes for anyone that says "as a blah blah blah"

[@kain0m]

​@@MacAutoDiageh, I don't know. Ivan is OK, but he often does a poor job because he rushes through. Eric is in another league.

[@robbrobb2161]

Eric, this is like sitting down with an old friend and talking while the job is getting done. Thanks Robb

[@davidgriffin14]

Good morning everyone.

[@seanward7676]

In case he goes to a car show...😂. Whenever I go to a car show, I'm always hunting for those Chrysler 200s. This remains my favorite KZbin channel.

[@rodrv6]

Another great video from SMA! As a 55 year aircraft technician, your installation of that cotter pin was a textbook example of a correct installation!! You are probably the only person I'd trust to work on my vehicles! I have a lift in my shop, and I do all of my own work.

[@E99584]

Were you ever in the auto tech scene, or went straight to aircrafts?

[@catjackson4293]

Completely agree. That's how I was taught to install it.

[@rodrv6]

@@E99584 I was never a "professional" auto technician, but I've always worked on cars for family and friends since high school. I got a job as an aircraft technician when I was 20 years old at Delta. I did 33 years with them before retiring 11 years ago. I still take care of a few airplanes at the local airport.

[@paulchavez9270]

I was taught the same way and never had any issues The whole point of a cotter pin is to keep the nut from coming off, so as long as it's in and bent,everything will be fine

[@tetedur377]

@@E99584 I'm not him, but I went from aircraft repair in the Navy, to a DIY, to a 22-year career working on cars. In between times, I worked in aircraft manufacturing on the shop floor, and afterward, helping build aircraft for the Navy and Marine Corps as a white collar guy. I'm not sure why I'm telling you that, except that I'm old and I don't get out of the house much. Anyway, that's the way the Navy taught us to install cotter pins, and that's the way I did it as an auto mechanic. That the way I did it, so it must be the right way.

[@shemp308]

Actually your way of bending the cotter pin is the way I was taught and the way I have done it for 40 years.

[@Larry-kh7rw]

A Sunday morning treat!!

[@airmailman1971]

Eric, you are the ONLY one on the internet installing cotter pins correctly!!! I would expect nothing less from the car god. Thanks for another great video.

[@coache1nine]

That's the way my grandpa showed me

[@MrRunner]

OK, well, I learned on aircraft, so maybe it's different, but I was taught to fold both pins back into a castellation. I have a small soft chisel that 'I've had for 50 years that I use. Different strokes I guess.

[@airmailman1971]

That's where I learned too, fixing jet aircraft. Today, it's published in AC 43.13-1B, available online in PDF format. I realize he's not working on an aircraft but it just makes sense for a professional to do the best job that he/she can. Eric is a professional.

[@isaacmorden7762]

Can’t believe you mixed those grease types! Ball joint is gonna fail next week now… ;) love your videos!!

[@starcarrier1874]

I’m so glad SMA has the honesty to identify inferior products. With prices skyrocketing, I can’t afford to waste money on junk parts. Many of us have to keep our older vehicles on the road and safe. Thank you!

[@jimandnena4]

We are a decade retired, but we still start our day at 6AM with a cup of coffee. Today, we enjoyed watching another great video while sipping our coffee from SMA cups!! Thank you and Mrs. O for great videos. jim and nena in Texas.

[@dougstout3663]

I was out in your neck of the woods last week. I did you the solid favor of Not stoping in for a visit. Will be back that way next week, maybe I will have less restraint.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good video and repair as always Eric O @South Main Auto Repair LLC

[@Leet_JN]

We've gone full circle. The first video I found of yours was when I was looking up how to do a Chrysler 200 front lower ball joint. Here we are 5 years later and I still watch everything you put out. You were a great find. Thanks for all the hard work putting these out over the years and helping so many people!

[@moeman692001]

I came across that same video as well a few years ago to help me replace my 200's ball joint. How funny!

[@jack002tuber]

I approve your method of cotter pin install. It's how we were told to do it in the '70s

[@Danzilly]

Eric is a surgeon with a torch!

[@SierraOne]

Always love removal of the castle nut and cotter pin in one operation, EPIC Transitions to 'leave a comment" also way cool Long Live Dr Eric O and SMA!

[@jimburgess9205]

7 AM with a coffee and a cigar spending some time with Eric O, priceless! Thanks, SMA.

[@andrecampbell691]

Life is good, fresh ground coffee, and an SMA video. 😅

[@robertdevlin4821]

That is the way we do all cotter pins in Army Aviation. I have thousands of hours flying helicopters with cotter pins installed that way!

[@riceburner4747]

😂🤣I'm 70 & have been bending cotter pins JUST LIKE YOU! U made that job look easy. I remember an episode where u said it's not expensive owning torches. I know absolutely NOTHING on burning, flames, etc. I'm embarrassed to say. Now, I'm just too damn old. Great video! 👍

[@gregeconomeier1476]

Just turned 70 myself. Congratulations!

[@anwalt693]

I was killed by cotter pin failure years ago. I'm 72 now.

[@mikepetrimoulx933]

Never too old for fire, fire, fire 🔥, we add another candle 🕯️ every year for a reason 😂

[@harrywalker968]

never too old to learn, welding is an easy skill to learn, its judgement. patience. oxy is expensive here in aus., like most things here.. highest taxed in the world..my mate is 75, knows nothing mechanical, or tools.. i got him into welding,, loves it.. you can build the world, with a grinder & welder.. i tell him, mechanics is just nuts & bolts.. machining, is another story..

[@대격변이퍽내가바로]

Someone's favorite air chisel/hammer getting the work done

[@brianfarrellf3294]

Glad I'm not the only early bird on Sunday morning SmA later football

[@chrismccaskell7156]

I know you're a busy man and it takes time for your videos but they are the best on KZbin. You're a hell of a teacher and I like your since of humor. Have a Great day Eric O.

[@ronaldbrosius7488]

Who care witch way a cotter pin goes in, as long as it keeps the nut from backing off, that's it's only job, well done Eric looks great as usual, keep up the Amazing work!!

[@scottm344]

I just wanted to say thank you for another great video. Cant wait to see you cross that million sub mark. If we all just share with one person everytime we watch a video we could help him reach that 1 mill mark. Its totally free and a great way to show support. Just thought id throw that out there. Hope everyone has a great day

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Ball joint came out easy with the Dog Eric O 9:26 @South Main Auto Repair LLC

[@patricksimmons7449]

that's the way, been doing them that way for years 😂

[@scottnusser6232]

That cotter pin 18:03 install is absolutely perfect😂 Just how it's done, anybody says different don't wrench for a livin. Good show as usual! Gotta get me a dog😂

[@harrywalker968]

i beg to differ, dissagree, & educate you.. for a start.. its a split pin, a cotter pin is solid, with a nut & a flat locater. ever had a push bike.??.. as to the install of the said split pin,, no one cares, so long as it dont come out.. ausie.. i know you drive on the wrong side of the road, in protest, but, why change the name of a split pin..??.. i tried to become a resident of the u.s., seeing i like the attitude you have, but, you still remember the tea party, im british.. with 5 american vehicles. .pine gap, is our area 52..

[@surewhynot6259]

@@harrywalker968 Geez, I would think you would know how to spell and punctuate better.

[@scottnusser6232]

@@harrywalker968 my ancestors came to America in the 1600's part American Indian also, then they proceeded to kick your Limey butts😄so I don't know how Aussie comes into it. Been wrenchin for 45+ yrs. and surely don't care what you think a COTTER pin is. I can read that my box of COTTER pins and guess what? It says COTTER pins right on it!. And that's how they're installed know it all,

[@davebarcus7118]

@@harrywalker968 Just so YOU can be educated, in the US, a split pin IS called a cotter pin or a cotter key. It is different in the UK and its possessions, such as Australia.

[@davidzelkowski9948]

Your cotter pin install is exactly how I do it. I am proud to say that!😊

[@harrywalker968]

i use nails., rusty nails, bent, non gal.. fencing wire.. welding rods.. not realy.. ausie..

[@watlinsd]

That was the best cotter pin smash ever!

[@davedeatherage4902]

My wife and I watch your videos together, we like the family aspect Incorporated into your videos, we also believe in God, country, and second amendment rights. God bless you folks.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I agree everyone will complain about how people solder and how cotter pins are installed nobody ever complains about mixing grease in ball joints and aome grease's are not compatable great Subject Eric O 17:10 @South Main Auto Repair LLC

[@petermoto409]

One of the most boring cars of the last 50 years, the Chrysler 200, produced one of the most entertaining videos. I literally LOL'd several times. Thank you for the fun content!

[@ladgiezotyka9391]

By far the one of the best technicians out there. Explain step by step well and fun to watch. Very knowledgeable.

[@CarolinaWright-d7g]

Nicely done, I’ve used sockets forever for air hammer and press “adapters”. Nicely done, I’ve used sockets forever for air hammer and press “adapters”.

[@Todd66]

I love this channel. Not sure if my favorite parts are the techniques, the tools, the humor….no, it’s how E likes to trigger viewers. I freaking love it. Cracks me up every time. Luv me sum SMA❤

[@rider547]

Nice way to start my Sunday! Another informative SMA video! Great job!! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@johnbeckett2624]

That's how I have always fitted my cotter pins, split pins here in the UK, been a mechanic for few years but I learn a little something every time I watch you, thanks.

[@mike_dodane]

Remember, if you’re asking yourself if you’re in the groove that the groove is in the heart Thanks automotive bob villa!

[@davebealer8806]

Great video to accompany my morning coffee and sharing tastykake donuts with the dogs! Thanks for all the tips you share in one job!

[@orendadyer1434]

Another great morning to be sipping coffee and watch an SMA video... Hoorah❗🇺🇸

[@ronheiden2750]

Sunday morning, sitting in the garage having my coffee and watching another fantastic video of yours. Doesn't get any better than that!!

[@knobrush]

I love Sundays like this....got done with dinner and there's an SMA video to watch..followed up by a Neutral Drop video.

[@Pointlesshandle48]

You’re the best Eric. You’ve helped me a lot. Glad you’re wearing safety glasses.

[@stonesauer5781]

Mr O's commentary on this repair was in that rare, high quantity form ! ❤ 😘

[@chrisforker7487]

Absolutely love the “car show” comments in the videos! Cracks me up every time!

[@RobertBeck-pp2ru]

Careful and methodical. Not your first rodeo. Excellent workmanship.

[@kevinkoepke8311]

I love comments on parts and tools, always helpful. Wish I could handle a torch like you. Thanks Eric

[@fredshead3956]

Yes Soder is US and Solder is English, like firewall and Bulhead, and that cotter pin in England we call that a split pin, and as you done it is the correct way, thats how i always used to do it...Rotors we call Brake discs, tie rods we call track rod ends.....good video Eric, keep em coming..F.

[@novaka240]

I love that we got the super-enhanced zoomed in view of the cotter pin procedure!

[@wty1313]

Thanks for the tip about what ball joint NOT to buy. I'm always on the lookout for part brands to buy AND avoid for when I do my own work. It's really hard these days when everybody is basically just a reseller of the same parts.

[@jonnyrockets4756]

No criticism here, I have never seen anything you've ever done that would make me even think for a second that I knew more than you. You are the best mechanic out there. Keep it up.

[@bobberndt9744]

Very satisfying video. A bit of instruction, some possible shortcuts, a touch of self-trolling and a subtle request to expand the (extensive) knowledge base of what you do/know. Thanks.

[@dennissmith8199]

Eric, you apply cotter pins exactly as I was taught over 50 years ago. Ignore the haters that pick at something as inconsequential as how one bends a cotter pin. Has anyone ever been killed because a cotter pint was bent improperly and fell out? Unless you can show me the proof, shut up about it. Great video as usual for my Sunday entertainment.

[@michiganracer1181]

Nicely done, I’ve used sockets forever for air hammer and press “adapters”

[@SheepDog0714]

I used to be a crew chief on fighter aircraft in the United States Air Force, and that was 100% the correct way to install a cotter pin when it has a castle nut. If it works on things going Mach 2, I am pretty sure it will work on your automobiles just fine.

[@billlink1726]

Fighter jets don’t have to encounter NY potholes 🙄😅

[@DaddyBeanDaddyBean]

I had the same thought about putting a little toot of grease into the fitting - looks like the ball was already greased nicely, but if the fitting is defective, now's the time to find that out and replace it - and I want the fitting full of grease before it corrodes itself shut. Nice work.

[@joejohnson7097]

For your area that ball joint came out easily. The cotter pin is the right way to do it. Thanks for the video

[@chriswest1996]

Nice to see a straightforward repair. Not "easy", but nothing went sideways, at least.

[@MyDyerMaker]

Hey Eric O, I drove through Main St in Ovoca earlier this week. I appreciated all the American flags. Beautiful town.

[@3wheelmaniac]

Hey Eric, just wanted to say I bought a pair of the Astro led light sticks because of you. Love them! Nice to have a mechanic I can trust and learn from. You always give me confidence to tackle my projects.

[@NWA320DRVR]

Same. Bought two for myself and one for a gift.

[@Blake_the_Drake]

I have bought so many tools from his videos and recommendation, makes life 1000x easier.

[@IronRiviera]

I did as well. Those lights are built well and the magnets are many and strong.

[@throttlethumb150]

I have bought many tools because of this channel also from Astro not to mention some other useful to by various brands.

[@GeminiSeven43]

Same here and I also bought the Snap on Needle Nose Pliers that have three adjustments, are Heavy Duty and ROCK!!!!! Thanks Eric

[@user-ec5oe7qy4v]

Eric, I know you like those ttx ball joints. I usually agree with you on the quality parts and tools you use at your shop. Hopefully they don't bite you like they bit me. They appear to be a very high quality part. They come with adapters to install them. They even have little caps that go over the grease fittings. I thought using these expensive ball joints would last a lifetime. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. After using about 30 of these at my shop I've now had 3 of them come back on a tow truck. The ball separated from the socket. They don't have play in them first. They just fail. It rips the axle out and breaks the brake hose in half. I've never had issues with their other parts but use caution with their ball joints. I literally have an accord in my lot right now that came apart. I would be happy to send you pictures. Thanks again for all the great videos.

[@Slicerwizard]

Thanks for the heads up.

[@dadgarage7966]

Stubby air hammers are just palm ticklers. A long-stroke beast like that is mandatory in the northern U.S. and Canada. It's a pneumatic torch.

[@chuckgrenci6404]

I learned some things, I got a couple 'chuckles'; as always a great video. Thanks for sharing, Eric.

[@rickshipley7872]

Lol! I've been doing cotter pins like that for 50 years! I learned it from a Navy machinest. PS: never had 1 problem. I thoroughly enjoy your background chatter!

[@Yawwee]

That was a fairly easy ball joint to replace. Nice method to get it out and back in. Eric O.'s tips and tricks and Mee Maw special hints and procedures are such time savers !!!! Well done, sir !!!! Looking forward to the next job !!!! 🎖🏆🏅👍👍

[@stevenm3141]

Perfect cotter pin bend if I ever seen one! Half never actually did it the other half never would know!

[@Fedwrench]

That was the cleanest cotter pin installation I've ever seen. It should be required viewing for all automotive students. Thanks for sharing!!!!

[@raymondhorvatin1050]

Great short cut thanks for sharing your videos are getting more like shop class every time

[@shboul]

here we go again boys!

[@mikepickett3277]

I put cotter, split pans that way Eric, done it that way fir 60 years. Great video!

[@athletikonaol]

Not enough guys like you Eric, to go around. It's so hard to find a truly good mechanic. And your personal story, which I've picked up on in bits and pieces... really represents the heartland of the USA.

[@kenchilton]

I would comment about the grease, but after seeing your smooth torch skills on that snap ring, I am speechless. I would have not only melted the camera but singed everyone watching the video. I really have to up my cutting torch game.

[@GarnConstructionInc]

Nothing like a fresh fried snap ring to fire up your ball joint! Nice work to not disturb more corrosion than necessary. Napa has the price levels for parts that will get the cost conscious maybe a few years or oem equal if you pay the price!

[@peterhodgkins6985]

I like your cotter pin work!! Especially the ole "That ain't goin' anywhere" tap at the end. Quick and painless, a quality job with quality parts.

[@johnbuck8460]

Another 20 minutes of pure magic from Eric O,I could listen to you all day.Thanks

[@philllsxga.7737]

Great video! My brother and I changed my mom's same car about two years ago. New lower control arms and new ball joints. Air hammered the old one out and the new one's in..

[@abw121]

SMA Sunday special edition! The Astro tool for the WIN! Need to pause video to make my English muffin and add some cherries preserve, with some coffee? As always your content is great at anytime of day.

[@robertlacob8831]

SMA makes this Ball Joint replacement look real easy! No power tools really needed either.

[@jordanvargovich]

People who complain on here must be mentally damaged. I've seen nothing but top notch repair work on this channel every time. Also people do what makes u feel comfortable with repair as does Eric. Wish I lived close to this shop.

[@mthompson1637]

I see absolutely nothing wrong with the installation of the cotter pin, as a former aircraft avionics tech, that's how we always did it😎

[@tomoconnor7543]

I just love it when you break out the big nasty.

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

(a) For a 2012 FCA product here in NY there was surprisingly little rust (b) I do my Cotter pins the same way you did it Eric (c) Here in western NY solder is pronounced "sah-der" so everybody needs to get over it (d) I do miss the little rock music thing you used to do for Big Nasty

[@gravydog51]

Retired 40-year Honda tech here. That's the way Honda always installed the cotter pins, no argument there. Also, one thing I always liked to do was clean off the control arm and add a little grease where the boot contacts it because otherwise the boot is always rubbing on it dry as you steer.

[@tarap5618]

Appreciate the PSA about NAPA blue Mavotech products!! 👍👍

[@Stover1928]

Using the air hammer to press in the ball joint was great idea. I don't think my air hammer is strong enough. BTW i started turning wrenches for money in 1977 I was taught by the shop owner and later the shop manager at the local chevy garage to install cotter pins the same way you do. Never have had an issue. The internet is amusing. Everyone has an opinion and everyone's opinion is correct. Lol. Your videos are the best on the tube!

[@bradhall7855]

You are a surgeon with that fire wrench!! You make it all look so easy! Love your videos!

[@vanceblosser2155]

Great video! You have the rare combination of top notch competence plus inherent honesty which gives your customers the best care possible at reasonable cost.

[@kylemiller9063]

Thank you for teaching your knowledge and for those people who want to say about what you do when you don't do and how you do it like the Carter PIN that's the people that wish they had your knowledge

[@jameslovitt994]

Sitting here trying to remember the last time I did ball joints on anything.. it was back in the 90's, and it was most definitely GM (damn rivets, lower ball joints on a '86 Cutlass)

[@lexalford358]

Split pins are not that complicated and as long as you bend the ends in different directions it will work fine I have seen nails being used when they couldn’t get a cotter pin and the old one was not going to work properly so they just drove in what ever they could find that would fit in the hole and bent it over my favorite pin was the farmer that just cut a piece off of the barb wire fence and put it in there that barb was handy enough for the tractor 🚜

[@harrywalker968]

i put a comment to a guy on here now, i use rusty nails, nails, fence wire, . ect,. not really. just because he said thats the perfect way to do it.. its a mechanical object, it has no friends..

[@victorbellan8357]

Nice job & thanks for your honesty in parts review , hopefully Napa has heard you loud & clear !

[@Doing_it_right_the_first_time]

Hello and good morning Eric, Mrs. O, and everybody else in SMA land; a lot of things between you and I Eric are parallel… personality, character, the things that you say are a lot of or like what I say, and do as well, so I enjoy watching your channel very much. I believe you are the best overall auto repair tech on the Internet and that is why I watch you the most. I am a certified master repair tech myself. I have built an ultra long range electric car (EV) myself with no lift and not the best heat in that one car garage. Some of the little subtle differences between you and I are that you like to break the torch out a lot more than I would. I like to have no slag after I get done cutting a piece of metal like you have when you do your exhaust systems and I probably would’ve pulled out my Dremel tool with a 1 inch metal cutter on the end and cut the clip that way… nice and carefully. As far as the differences in grease compositions, not a big deal, you’re not putting water or some other foreign non-lubricating substance in the boot so it really doesn’t matter too much. As far as back in the day, what NAPA used to carry was when Moog used to make good chassis parts that’s what NAPA was selling. Of course not everybody wants to make good, long lasting machinery / appliances / tools and everything else with “planned obsolescence” so it needs to be replaced shortly after it is bought or used or installed! I am a little surprised that you did not do the other side because as like with headlights, I usually replace those things in pairs because when one side goes usually the other side is not too far behind as well. Keep up the great work, keep loving, Mrs. O, and, I look forward to seeing another video. I think you for taking the time to do these videos because I know it probably doubles the time in which it takes to do the job changing the camera around and everything else and then of course editing time as well, so we all thank you for doing that! Best regards; Edward H. - “Madison Combustion“ out of the Madison, CT 🇺🇸 area

[@paulgibson490]

Good cotter pin installation the right way to do it 👍

[@jimlefor9851]

That’s the same way I’ve done my cotter pins for over 30 years, never had a problem with a single one.

[@thomaspaine5091]

Eric, thats the way I do my cotter pins ! nice job!

[@brianbanks3044]

that's a PERFECT cotter pin bend

[@jgreitz]

And as an aside, my father, taught me the cotter pin use exactly as you did it. He learned in the '30's and 40's long before Loctite, nylon nuts...etc. if the nut spins loose, the strap of one leg of the pin prevents it from. Coming off. Textbook perfect. Thank you for teaching.

[@jgreitz]

Agreed on the alignment. I have found alignments done at brand named stores to worn components. Once the component replaced the alignment ia now off. Eric, you are the master.