5K lower ball joint replacement

[Peter Golledge]

Paul Hill wrote:
> 
> I need to replace the left front lower ball joint on my 1986 5000 CSTQ.
> Are there any special tricks (or tools) involved in getting the old one out
> or the new one in?

No special tools, the complete control arm is the only part available
AFAIK.  You may need to use some spray lube and a little mallet
work to get the sway bar off.  Getting the ball joint out can be a
little
trying, again a good soaking with penetrating oil usually helps get
things going.  I usually use a 5 ft floor jack handle as a lever to
get sufficient downward force on the control arm.

You should replace the all of the bolts/nuts, they can all be had from 
a metric fastener place for little $$.  

> I'm concerned about getting the sway bar off without ruining the rubber
> bushings.

The good part is that the control arm comes with the bushings. :-)

> Also, where is a good source for this part and what is the going price?

I don't have current pricing, the usual suspects on the audifans vendor
list
should have them a reasonable prices.  Vmautohaus can get the boots for
the ball-joints separate to the control arms if they get mangled.

Cheers
-- 
Peter Golledge