2001 Sebring Sedan LX, 2.7l V-6, VIN Code U Lower balljoints: Can the front left and right lower ball joints be pressed into or out of the lower control arms on this vehicle? I'm being told by my mechanic that the entire lower control arm assemblies need to be replaced in order to repair the worn lower ball joints and that they are sold as complete units only and that there is no way to press out the lower balljoints. He hurriedly showed me a diagram in a MOOG catalogue which showed the complete assembly but I could not verify the year we were looking at. Can someone confirm either way? Please and thanks. I ran into a similar scenario earlier in the year with an upper ball joint on the right rear suspension of the same vehicle. The mechanic insisted I needed the entire stabilizer arm which would come with the upper balljoint already installed - the dealer parts clerk told my mechanic that the upper ball joint was easily pressed out and replacement of the stabilizer arm was not necessary. I've seen lower ball joint kits on the net and they look as though they just press into my existing control arms, but I will continue my research. All help is most appreciated and thank you in advance.

just the ball joint
check -if the ball joint is riveted into the lower control arm, it will be necessary to grind the rivet heads then punch out the rivets
replacement ball joints should come with the bolts needed to replace the rivets
some lower control arms have the ball joints pressed in so it is necessary to press out the old ball joint then press in the new unit

the front wheels have an upper and lower balljoint . remove the wheel to acsess. or rephrase your question.

The ball joints are part of the lower control arm . The control arm is not extremely difficult, but not easy either. First remove the nut on balljoint, then pull the ball joint out of the knuckle, that may take a pry bar, remove front control arm nut and bolt, and two bolts on rear of control arm bushing, reverse process to install. The Ford workshop manual says to replace the control arm nuts and bolts, but I hardly ever do. Have never had a problem. Torque front bolt to 111 lb-ft, and rear to 73 lb-ft. Hope that is good for you.
KIP. Martin, service manager Ford dealership.

replace left front lower arm ball joint Anon, Link shows how to replace lower ball joint it is a Lexus, pretty much identical to your lower suspension. Check the attached links,instruction and guides, Good luck
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How To Replace Front Lower Ball Joint
http://z4.invisionfree.com/lexusaltezzaclub/ar/t9466.htm
Moog Balljoint amazon review Lexus IS300
2001 Toyota Altezza lower ball joint Google Search

SAFELY RAISE SUPPORT FRONT OF VECHICLE ON JACK STAND MAKE SURE VECHICLE PARKED ON SOLID LEVEL GROUND. REMOVE WHEEL OR TIRE. REMOVE BALL JOINT STUD PINCH BOLT AND NUT FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE.REMOVE BALL JOINT BY PRYING IT FROM THE KNUCKLE.REMOVE BALL JOINT TO LOWER CONTROL ARM BOLT AND NUT. INSTALL NEW BALL JOINT TO LOWER CONTROL ARM.TORQUE THE BOLT TO 86 FT LBS INSTALL BALL JOINT TO THE STEERING KNUCKLE TORQUE BOLT TO 43 FT LBS YOU MORE LIKELY NEED FRONT END REALIGNMENT AFTER THE JOB DONE.

It depends on exactly which ball joint of the 3 per side your changing, but here are the details.

COMPRESSION LOWER ARM & LATERAL LOWER ARM ASSEMBLIES
Removal
1. Loosen compression lower arm ball joint nut. Using steering linkage puller, separate ball joint and
knuckle. Remove nut, bolts and compression lower arm assembly. Remove dust cover.
2. Remove stay. Remove shock absorber lower mounting bolt. Loosen lateral lower arm ball
joint and knuckle nut. Using steering linkage puller, separate ball joint and knuckle. Remove nut, bolt and
lateral lower arm assembly. Remove dust cover.
Inspection
Using preload socket, ensure breakaway torque for compression lower arm ball joint is 4-22 INCH lbs. (0.5-2.5
N.m) for 2000 models. On 2001 models, breakaway torque is 22-54 INCH lbs. (2.5-6.1 N.m). Ensure
breakaway torque for compression lateral lower arm ball joint is 13 INCH lbs. (1.5 N.m). Check compression
lower arm, lateral lower arm, dust covers, and bushings for damage and wear.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Use NEW ball joint nuts. Lubricate lip and inside of dust cover with
multipurpose lubricant. Using installer, install dust cover. Check front wheel alignment.
UPPER ARM ASSEMBLY
Removal
Using steering linkage puller, loosen upper arm ball joint and knuckle nut. Remove self-locking nut. Remove upper arm and upper arm shaft assembly. Remove dust cover.
Inspection
Using preload socket, ensure breakaway torque for upper arm ball joint is 3-13 INCH lbs. (0.3-1.5 N.m).
Replace upper arm assembly when measured value exceeds specification. Check upper arm, dust cover, and
bushings for damage and wear.
Installation
1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Use NEW self-locking nuts. Lubricate lip and inside of dust cover
with multipurpose lubricant. Using Ball Joint Installer (MB990800), install dust cover.
2. Ensure upper arm shaft assembly is installed at indicated angle. Verify upper arm shaft
assembly installation. Check front wheel alignment.

Once you have the correct arm off and a replacement joint (if available, some are not serviceable and require the arm to be replaced) then you will need a press or a ball joint press to change the joint. Such as
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38335

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46389

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=66958

or http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46967

The upper and lower ball joints are riveted in on the oem ball joints you have to cut the rivets and then use a balljoint press to press them out the new ball joints have nuts and bolts just press them back in and tighten down the nut

You will need to jack up the vehicle and also support it by the lower control arms as well as the frame. Remove the front wheels and place them aside.unbolt the upper control arms.....and wedge a pickle fork between the upper balljoint and spindle to knock the upper balljoint loose. Then simply reinstall the new control arms....which have the balljoints in them already.install the balljoint nuts and cotter pins and then reinstall the wheels and lower truck back to the ground.Be sure to drive vehicle to an alignment shop asap so you do not start to eat up your tires. get back to me if you have any more questions...i'm here to help!!!!!

grease ball joints that should fix it

first of all you will need a balljoint press and a hub nut socket then you just have to remove the lockout and hub to pull out the axle to get to the ball joint and you alway replace upper and lower at the same time.