engine and drivetrain ball joints

[mikea]

starting in on my front suspension/steering while the engine is out.

can any one tell me, do I need to deal with compressing the spring in order to remove the ball joint at the bottom of the strut

1974 2002

THANKS

Mike berkeley CA

[M3M3]

nope.

[mikea]

it seems i have to take down the lower control arm-the spring and strut will just stay together?

[02for2]

it seems i have to take down the lower control arm-the spring and strut will just stay together?

Correct, so long as you only remove the three Strut Bearing mounting nuts and not the center Strut nut.

Be sure to inspect the strut mount rubber and the bearing play while you have it out. They're cheap and easy enough to replace (though you will need a spring compressor to do the job - most rental places and some auto parts stores do rent them).

Many a suspension refreshening didn't realize much improvement because the strut bearings were overlooked.

Cheers!

[wess02]

you are correct.