Subaru Crosstrek: Ball Joints

[@SouthMainAuto]

Astro Pneumatic Tool 78620 Subaru Ball Joint Puller: amzn.to/350aEyN Sorry if this is a repeat video guys. Didn't realize I had all ready done a few Sooby ball joint vids. Next time I will look before recording. Cheers!

[@davyarthurs]

Must have been a while ago if you did as I can’t remember it🤣

[@coreturkoane5570]

It's ok, love your content. And, as always, thank you.

[@steved7610]

No need to apologize. Do three more and we'll still watch'em.

[@mrb1864]

refresh never hurts. never get do too many of these as oem joints last so well . Part of reason that bolt can be so bad is fact they never get touched for so long . I bust the pin on the astro tool, tend use a ground old chisel open the knuckle just a fraction as can reduce forces required extract these and in mild scenarios makes it easy pull ball joint using the lower arm and no special tools .

[@Qusin111]

re post all you want, we like them and may have missed it.

[@mattcaser6581]

"I live in the real world, not some engineers fantasyland..." Eric O, 2021

[@londog53511]

T-shirt material!!

[@jo300hn]

Amen to that.

[@rookiemvp2008]

As a mechanic turned engineer, I fully agree with this statement 🤣

[@jo300hn]

@@rookiemvp2008 no-one likes a turn coat

[@zoidberg444]

To be fair to engineers - they have plenty to answer for but I work in the automotive industry and the people who have all the power are the bean counters and all they want to do is cut things to the bone and get involved in things they know nothing about!

[@terryharvey4811]

You've done 3 vids on Subbie joints. One with prototype tool you made, 2 nuts wield together for slide hammer use, second with the NEW Astro tool , and now the third with the USED Astro tool. But as in life, each job is a little different and your methods often give us new options to solve our problem jobs. MONKEY SEE MONKEY DO !!!! Plus your off the wall comments alone are easily worth the price of admission !!! THANKS.

[@JSchaefers91]

Trust every word this man says. This repair is not to be attempted without a torch. I broke the bolt doing this same repair. A $20 ball joint repair turned into a $180 new spindle.

[@johneinberger6322]

Jeepers Dr. O ... you are making me want to completely take apart my new(ish) car’s suspension now and never-seize / Fluid Film all of the bolts before it’s too late !!!

[@brianmason8400]

I know, right......but I'm too lazy and I know several of the bolts would require an alignment afterwards....

[@GodWasAnAlien]

Just sell your snoody Snot rocket and get an old 5spd Ranger. That's what I did and I've never been happier. Practically comes apart like it was actually attracted to me

[@joemascioni3101]

You should NEVER have to apologize for doing a repeat video! Your commentary is way better now than it was 6 years ago!...lol. So it's like a whole new video! I have learned a great deal of the "tricks" of the trade from you. And I have been turning wrenches for longer than you have been alive. Plus you always have new tools debuted that I just "gotta have". Thanks Eric.

[@ghost-4230]

In five years when I’m picking parts off this car, I’ll be grateful it was you who worked on it

[@bradd9970]

Actually have broken one before Eric so I understand the punch you in the throat response. I always tell the kids come get me firdt

[@TreyCook21]

Yeah, I'd spray on the closest penetrant I had and add leverage until I snap it off. Then look up YT videos.

[@raybates3119]

Except when you get past the used part. Then it's pretty filthy! Lol

[@beevee4345]

If we could just take all your talent, experience, logic, ingenuity, rational thinking, honesty, good will, humor and somehow infuse all that into thousands of mechanics all over the country, we would all be much happier.

[@fillg]

After you heated that bolt and got it out I was telling you "don't grab that bolt, it's hot" but apparently you weren't listening. 🔥🔥🔥

[@jameslong3351]

That's half the fun of do'in the job. Just to see how much skin you can burn off. Ain't no problem, it grows back sooner or later.

[@richardcranium5839]

hmmm yeah with rubber gloves on .......

[@braaapattack2937]

Last time I was this early, jeep was the hat, and it was new

[@williamyocum4774]

We had a saying when I was a mechanic in the military. "Can't be stuck if it's liquid".

[@agoogleuser1594]

I broke both of these off on my 15 year old forester a few years ago. I also have a 2016 crosstrek so I checked if it had the same style. Took them out and added antiseize and put them back. Hopefully I'll thank myself in 5 years.

[@DaDaDo661]

I know this comment is 3 years old, but you can also pack grease into the slit of the knuckle where the bolt goes through. This stops rust from forming there. Every time I have the car jacked up or oil change i force new grease into it

[@mark98070]

Proud of you Mr.O Ya didn't finish up that job looking like the Tin man!!

[@brianmason8400]

Yeppers, been there! Trying to use just a smidge, and wind up can't see any skin color on either hand... lololol....

[@richardcrawford8549]

I love watching this channel and all the videos. I've been a mechanic for 14 years now full time and I have been learning so much new stuff and new tricks on how to do certain things on working on cars. Thank you for all the amazing content and I would suggest to anyone if they want to start working on cars to watch you because you are a great teacher.

[@douglasphillips1203]

I just bought a used recent model forester, I know what I'm doing this week while I'm under there doing my transmission fluid and other 60,000 mile service stuff! I'll be thanking myself in spades I saw this video now and not a few years from now!

[@tcpnetworks]

My 22 year-old Vectra wasn't anywhere as rusty as this young car. just shows how quick things go south, when you are up north.

[@aciddiver1978]

The only channel to watch these days.

[@aaronwallace8397]

Did the driver side on mine after work a couple days ago. Daily Minnesota 2007 forester, 262K. Bolt came out by hand with a standard 3/8” ratchet, no heat or juice. When I had a buddy pry on the control arm so I could blast the ball stud with my air hammer the whole thing popped out of the knuckle. Stood there in disbelief, then finished the job and bought lotto tickets on the way home.

[@marklongman9010]

2015 Subaru ,I thought the ball joints would last longer than 6 years,I have a 1995 Chevy Caprice and still have the original ones Thanks Eric O for showing us how to get it done

[@scottboyne8305]

I love the comments you make while doing these videos. I don't even think you realize what you're saying. Lol. Keep up the good work

[@tysoe27]

I get quite excited thinking about the people who need to do these jobs on their own cars and happen across your channel; They have no idea what they're in for, but they too will become addicted to watching Eric's videos of repairs you'll never need to do, to cars you'll never own. That's what happened with me all those years ago when I first subscribed. I've watched many, but this is hands down the best automotive repair channel, period!

[@s.j.5850]

Leave it to the Subaru engineers to design another nightmare to work on. Your tips for replacing their ball joints are priceless.

[@bluegrallis]

If I need new ball joints on the Subaru, I'll just drive over to Watch Wes Work on it for me 😁

[@SouthMainAuto]

He's such a cool dude

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

See if he wonders by!

[@walterbordett2023]

@@SouthMainAuto Eric O is also a cool dude.

[@scottingle393]

I watch you use these subaru ball joint pullers all the time. However an air hammer will take those ball joints out in 2 seconds. Just hit the bottom of the ball joint it pops right out. I live in New Hampshire so I deal with all the rust as well.

[@JoeyLovesTrains]

Met a guy at my work who also watches this channel. Greetings from Major’s R.V. on Cape Cod!

[@garrettbouslaugh5488]

Tool was totally worth buying. Astro saved my bacon when doing the ball joints on the wife’s forester

[@joeg9143]

I would like to thank everybody at your shop for saving me a lot of money wow I wouldn’t spend a lot of money having other people fix my car

[@danielflack7902]

I do my Subaru ball joints in Australia. No salt, no rust, no problem. That's how I do it.

[@altonbarbee8864]

We don't mind repeats. Any south main auto video is entertaining. Sometimes I even learn something.

[@ronzigato]

I'm relieved that I'm not the only person who keeps chunks of heat shield around for when they come in handy!

[@Kirawolf1971]

Eric is a real professional mechanic. He could do this in his sleep.

[@larryverriden4493]

i could do a lot of things in my sleep. It's when I'm awake that I have problems

[@LFBsmokealarm]

@@larryverriden4493 Too funny!

[@led_spirals6748]

I just ordered that ball joint puller, Thanks Eric!

[@davyarthurs]

New SMA video and SMA viewers are flocking like vultures to a free lunch

[@Torsee]

😂

[@DIG_5050]

you make that look so easy. Heck, before I can get started, I gotta get a lift installed in my garage. ;-)

[@BigBoyNowYT]

Mine gets installed today!

[@flagmichael]

@@BigBoyNowYT About a hundred guys just died of jealousy.

[@DjResR]

Having a garage is already a step ahead of me. :D _

[@shadowdog500]

@@BigBoyNowYT Congratulations! You will be surprised how much easier everything is with a car on a lift. Get ready to make some additional purchases to go with the lift such as a tool cart, an under lift oil drain cart, medium and tall jack stands, and eventually an under lift transmission jack.

[@BigBoyNowYT]

@@shadowdog500 I have all of those things I have been a tech for 15 years. Just finally working for myself

[@wdkirkes62]

The best way I found to change mine. Hire it done

[@TheNachris720]

SMA makes just about any and every repair look super SMOOTH, love the educational content. - coming from a younger tech who runs an auto repair shop @ 30 years old in GA.

[@stayinalivemedical790]

This just goes to show you that having the right tool for the job is what this is all about. Astro to the rescue again!

[@markhilliker9844]

Living in western New York and I’ve broken one of these before and I learned my lesson because my lead tech bailed me out haha. I now “very gingerly” spray mine down with oxygen and acetylene haha.

[@joegerman2061]

This video brings back bad memories for me. Yeah I snapped that bolt on my kid's car.

[@dennislippert8875]

I don't recall details. My car was over 200k when I did them. The local Used Autopartsorama had a pair of lower arms from a similar car... I bolted 'em in and prayed the balljoints and bearings were good. They were good enough to get me another couple years before the body rotted away...

[@mikeisgonz0]

I recently snapped a similar bolt off on my Mada 3 Skyactiv. So rusted that I haven't fixed it

[@stevemcrichards8768]

I'll bet that was an "oh shit" moment.

[@PokyGaming]

Just got to throw this out here. At my job (I work at a parts yard in sweden) we use a inductionheater called "Car o Liner". It's the best that we use to losen rusted bolts/Screws. no need for the torch unless we need to cut something off. Have a great day.

[@GMAN420BC]

I watched this after. I don't have an oxy/acet in my garage so I busted the bolt. Then busted a bolt separating the bearing from spindle. So now I've ordered a be bearing and spindle to go along with the new ball joint. Covered wiith a beat-up backing plate !!

[@Joe..3.8.0.9_]

Eric , wish I had you as a shop teacher wayyy back when I was in high school , you would have been the most respected As far as ball joints what I do is take it to you ! Lol.

[@lioneljm2]

The needle gun reminded me of having to listen to multiple needle guns going for weeks in the Navy. The preferred surface prep tool at the Mare Island Naval shipyard in the late 80s and 90s.

[@MrRobert1603]

Son of a motherlover , I’m going to cover my 2016’s RAV4’s ball joints right now with neversieze! Baby! Thanks

[@rustyabramson2663]

That needle scaler gave me straight Navy flashbacks...chipping paint and rust for days!

[@GregoryMcLean]

Ah the sounds of life on a ship :)

[@thomashanke6750]

More like ptsd! 11 years Navy!!!!

[@richardcranium5839]

my hands are still vibrating

[@TheEchomirage]

Let me play you the song of my people.

[@danieljohnson8307]

Boy O Boy am I glad I live on the west coast Eureka CA. We don't have Snow very often. We don't salt the roads. So, we don't have that terrible of " RUST " Problems that You All Have. Love the Videos. Dan Johnson aka Super Genius.

[@jamram9924]

In Arizona, we just wait until Summer, those bolts are already scorching hot without a torch! 😆

[@mikechiodetti4482]

"Bring out the biscuits we're gonna lap up the gravy!" Another new saying. I like it! Had one of those bolt's on my wife's 06 Sorento. In Socal, salt on roads is not used due to a lack of snow. So it came right out. I did think about heating it but it didn't need it.

[@BWGPEI]

Knowledge and the right tools - great starting point & pity we weren't all born with same. The rest of us work for it on both counts.

[@charlesdavis9755]

I wasn't a subscriber six years ago so this new to me video brought back memories. I replaced the ball joints and axles on a 95 Legacy a few years back. I sprayed everything with penetrating oil and was lucky that everything came apart easily. That was at 200,000 miles. I drove that car to 300,000 miles before I sold it. That needle scaler was great. I haven't seen one of those in years.

[@joelsantora7434]

Bro a catalytic converter shell heat shield and that whole process was unbelievably brilliant and absolutely trailer park to the core.

[@jorgefernandez-mv8hu]

You make the best repair videos and your running commentary is the best. 👍👍👍👍

[@neilmurphy845]

Never seize is a must on any job that stuff is brilliant

[@kevinbarry71]

Just this side of liquid, awesome

[@stevemcrichards8768]

About 1000 - 1200 degrees Fahrenheit anything beyond that and you're just showing off.

[@qmautomotiverepair2830]

most entertaining automotive repair channel, thank you Eric!

[@akachuck99]

You are the only youtuber I always keep a watch out for new videos thank you for the awesome content

[@KO-ih1ld]

:D "now she's gotta a clean hole" youtube has to create a feature where these videos just play in a loop, I could watch it all day...

[@SirFlextington]

Damn....I feel lucky! I just pulled apart everything on my 15 front end and was looking for tips to push the new joint in. I just impacted the balls out of it and luckily came out no damage.

[@cardo1111]

"Get out the biscuits because we're going to be slopping up the gravy." 🤣

[@jarad0714]

The old back to the basics nut and bolt video. Awesome job. Can’t wait for a old nut and bolt brake job.

[@glenntinamiller6199]

Watched a video a few months ago for information on a repair I wanted to see if a diy approach was viable and here i am binge watching and like and subscribing to countless videos all the care you take to show the steps and explain the prosses is 10 out of 10 videos and charm 10 out of 10 you do the videos so well i can get a great idea real fast if its diy or better bring it in i know my skills and your skills making videos easy to understand and clear as day if someone with my exp lvl on auto is up to the task I fixed my car 4 months ago thanks to you and stayed for the awesome content god bless you and your beautiful family and remember you are helping people a lot a real lot so thanks a ton for taking the time to do this I wish I lived near you so I can have utter trust in my auto repairs :)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jdrs4214]

Thank you for giving us Subaru ball joint experience Dr. O.

[@oldblueshhrchannel1847]

A masterful lesson on how to replace Subaru ball joints, or my favourite easier way to, sell or trade in the car!! Merry Christmas to ya, Mr and Mrs O and all you folks out there in KZbin land!

[@jeffstum3325]

I live in West Virginia and we get some rusty and crusty stuff too. Once I get the top bolt out sometimes what you can do if you don't have the tool is take a weighted rubber mallet and smack the control arm with the ball joint still attached to the lower control arm and that will pull the ball joint out for you. It's crude but it worked but since I watched your channel I ended up buying the Astro ball joint for for my Subaru. I'm in the works of putting all brand new parts underneath of my 2010 Subaru with 254,000 miles.

[@josephscanlin6922]

Brought back memories from my Navy days when you brought out the needle gun. Chipped lots of bulkheads back in the day.

[@timkiddsr]

As much as I am a tech myself I appreciate watching you and your techniques . With another tech perspective.

[@ramanhb1]

I love it when I find a video of a job im about to do since I'm in the Hudson valley I know how much of a pain it's gonna be

[@nurburgrinding]

never seen anybody enjoying his work so dang much. awesome

[@kulan9379]

This truly is the right guy on the right spot 🤘

[@hondalude89]

These are super easy. But I didn't realize how much work into it replacement up north!! Geez I'm glad I don't have to deal with that rust. Great video!!!

[@johnpenwell6402]

I appreciate the tip about the bolt, and the astro tools. I have to do this on my parents outback and I’m pretty sure the winter salt is just as oppressive out in Avoca as it is in Binghamton. 🔥🔨 time

[@deuce9769]

Got myself an old fashioned hand puller that I used to use to remove wheel hubs, fabricated a tip on it so that I can use it on diesel injectors or in use with a blank nut, weld it on the ball joint to yank it out.

[@Bubs1524]

I'm a Subaru tech in northern Ontario Canada. I've seen that cross bolt rotten out and broken. But I use 2 wet red shop rags around the axle. Always double bag it. And heat the knuckle to get that pinch bolt out. I've also drilled and welded nuts to get that bolt out. And use a snap on air hammer or my slide hammer that I got from one of your videos to take out the ball joint.

[@turbobus6731]

I’ve heard you say in the past that you didn’t like to do repeat vids like ball joints, tie rods, brakes, etc, but you should understand that your vids are not just educational they are motivational, after I watch one of your vids I think to myself, get your butt out of your recliner and get in the garage and get to work!! Works every time!! Thanks!

[@pcfxr4u]

Thanks again for a fun video. Is there a reason you don't use the induction bolt heater anymore? LG

[@christopherenger1602]

Eric, how about a induction hearee for the pinch bolts??

[@SteelCityRC]

I wrap the CV boot with two red shop rags soaked in water. Then use the torch. But most times I use a hammer end in an air hammer and just keep hitting the knuckle. Spray down with lube and hammer some more. Like you said most times it is galded up in the flat non -threaded portion of the bolt. Seen many rookies go in there with an impact gun and turn around and look at me when the bolt snaps off first blip of the gun lol. Great video as always. From Pittsburgh PA. We get all the same salt and rust issues.

[@dwoodog]

One dang good old skool nuts and bolts video. It's like it just cleared my head.

[@dodgeplow]

looks like I won't be doing the Mrs' ball joints like I did on my Ford. Glad I saw this video first

[@davidkaminski615]

Easy. Willie Coyote taught me to strap dynamite to the lower control arm. Two stick aught to do her and makes for even explosive pressure from both sides. Nylon rope works just fine as an attachment. Make sure you give yourself enough time on the det cord for you to get a fair pace away from the vehicle so you can oversee the process as a whole. Remember to wear safety glasses and ear protection!

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

I did them for a neighbor several years ago here in Wisconsin where they rust badly too. I sprayed everything with Knocker Loose when I first looked at it and I gave the young lady that owned it the can and showed her what to spray. When I replaced them a week later, I was pleasantly surprised when everything came apart much easier than I expected. At a shop, you normally don't get a week to let penetrants work. I used an air hammer on the head of the bolt before trying to turn it and again after I got it it backed out about a quarter of an inch to spread the socket. I used an air hammer on the outside of the socket in the spindle that the ball joint sits in. I used a plate from a ball joint tool, the ball joint nut, a ball joint fork and a hammer to drive the fork down and the ball joint came out.

[@markh.6687]

So you're saying you had her spray her knockers loose for a week before servicing her? :)

[@jaydoeslife4307]

"brush it with a little bit of acetylene"...terms I'd never have learned anywhere else :)

[@jdrs4214]

Oxygen and acetylene.

[@stevemcrichards8768]

It's like Bob Ross of Auto repair: "brush some happy little flames on it."

[@michaelderkacz5526]

That balljoint puller is badass, ordering right now lmao

[@mmiller1188]

The first thing I did when I got my Subaru home from the dealer with 180 miles on it was remove and anti-seize up that forbidden balljoint bolt!

[@stevemcrichards8768]

I like your style.

[@Chevyguy-Ray]

Every time I see a napa ad on the socials, I tell them they need to sponsor SMA.

[@camneilsen8234]

I'm always amazed at the Rusty bits issues you have ,here in Australia everything on my 30 year old Subaru just comes undone 😱

[@stefand1752]

Some things my real world engineering tutor told us: 1) keep your nuts oiled; 2) always keep your mating surfaces lubricated and whenever possible rub them together; 3) cleanliness is more important than tightness.

[@jmcenterprises9591]

Eric O knows his stuff. Great vid.

[@basshunter428]

Excellent point, Eric, on starting the bolt by hand. More bolts are cross threaded/snapped due to smackin' the ugga dugga gun on'em before they are started! 👍

[@colinswales7904]

This brought back a memory of breaking that bolt in the spindle on my ‘87 Subaru GL. Changing cv axle and ball joint. Had to drill it out.

[@markasprey797]

every time I watch your video"s I think the most valuable tool you have is the lift. I'm always laying on the garage floor to work on my vehicles. I love your video's.

[@rileybell9707]

I've always done it that you get the crossbolt out , bit of propane torch and some percussive and 6 foot snipe , then jump, wedge on the lca till it pops from the knuckle then block and bash it from the lca , works every time for me

[@2secondslater]

Do glad I love in a warm and dry part of Western Australia, I haven't layed eyes on rust and corrosion in over a year now, no need for special tools, Subarus just fall apart naturally, like the manufacturer intended.

[@998RC]

Awesome video. Helped me to remove the seized pinch bolt on my 2012 Impreza with 350,000 kms up here in Canada. Don't know how old the ball joint was, but I've had the car for 7 years and 100,000 kms. I did a couple of things differently. Since I was also replacing the control arm bushings, I removed the control arm first, which gave me head-on access since I'm using a 4-post lift. I also cut off the rubber boot so there was less to burn and inhale. This had to be the most satisfying job I've ever done.

[@Todd66]

Well now I know to take the Fiancé’s Outback to the dealer to have that job done. If I was only closer to SMA I would have no worries in that dept. Nicely done BTW Luv me sum SMA

[@mbs5328]

Mr. O. does beautiful work.

[@podamis314]

On my first and only ball joint job (for a 12 year old subaru) I soaked it in penetrating oil several times over a couple of weeks and everything came apart . No torch, no pneumatics , no puller. I was very lucky. And I installed $6 balljoints, the cheapest on the interweb. 3 years and 40k miles no problems.

[@cullenmiller8170]

I guess it pays to have the right tool for the job. I’m thinking of cloning Eric and putting him in my toolbox and I will be set for life. Thanks for the video and love the channel. 👍

[@markh.6687]

I dunno; I'd be tempted to clone Mrs. O. instead.... :)

[@alextipple8650]

Fine bit of kit..... I haven't heard that in ages.... Great job Eric