Ball joints

[Loobs]

I took the wheels off yesterday (eventually) they were corroded in position and the wheel nuts impacted to death and squeaky dry. The previous owner wasn't a DIY merchant that's for sure. I've been greasing everywhere too...

Anyway, I saw this part of the suspension that was rusted to death, I bunged a load of copper ease on top in an effort to at least stop it getting worse. I had the tracking checked yesterday too as it is pulling to the left. A search on here has pointed me in the direction of the ball joints and a quick look on roughtrax confirms that my rusty items are the top ball joints. On mine, they are the type without the grease nipples.

Given the state of them, they will need to be replaced but should I be budgeting on doing the bottom ones as well. Also, im seeing that a ball joint press or separator is a good idea (I never knew there was such a thing, would have saved a hell of a lot of time over the years). Anyhow, any recommendations on what to buy?

Once separated, are they easy to replace?

The steering idler has been replaced sometime this century at least.

[davec170]

Personally I'd do all four at once - they're not that expensive and you'll only kick yourself if you have to strip the front end again in six months to do the lowers. Also if you do all 4 together you can buy a cheap "wedge type" ball joint splitter as it won't matter if you tear the old ball joint boots. If you're feeling flush (and you intend keeping your Surf for a while) you could think about the condition of the brake discs, pads, wheel bearings and bronze bushes whilst you're in there.