Ball joint again... help!
 

Hi there, I've done a drawing to show you my problem. I do not have my car right now but this thing obsesses me! The ball joint moves up & down in the wheel hub.
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/6664/bjdh2.jpg
So, how do I fix it? Just tight the horizontal screw on the main pivot? Sorry I do not have all the words to match the parts ;)

Matthieu

I'm guessing by that drawing it's some kind of control arm. There should be a bolt that goes through and holds it in place right? Mostly likely just need a new arm.

Ball joint is worn out. Buy a replacement.

EDIT: Opps. Wrong. I see now. Yes, tighten the horizonal bolt. That's dangerous the way it is right now.

Ahhhh crap. Normally tightening things would be adequate, but the piece moving around may have hogged out the hole in the spindle enough that no amount of tightening it will keep it in place. I'd check the for sale section and see if you can find a new spindle. The shaft on the ball joint is probably trashed too, mazdatrix has those for $70ish:

http://www.mazdatrix.com/hsteer2.htm

Yeah, it could either be the ball joint it self, or the (I think it's called) steering knuckle hogged out. But isn't that cast iron?

Are you sure the bolt is even in there?

Thanks for helping!

I've had a close look: the bolt was not tighten :'( just with hand torque on a short tool I've done almost two turns!
Compared to the good one the bad one is more in, higher and so the rubber under is like a flat tire. No cut or piece seems, just flat.

The good side (but have bearing play...) I know the bushings of the link are ugly...
http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/6...0134vd2.th.jpg
The bad one, that scary noise was from there...
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/3...0137pj9.th.jpg

I think I should have a try in just tightening the bolt, maybe try to lower a bit the ball joint rod before. But to do so I have to figure it out coz I have just one jack... maybe turn wheels, lift opposite side a bit to make the anti-roll bar pushing down the A arm... what is the torque for this bolt guys?

Thanks, Matthieu

Undo the bolt and take off the spindle from the ball joint.

If its been slopping around, the seating groove in the ball joint has probably been worn. If its not then just put it back together. If it is, replace the ball joint.

Don't fuck with your ball joint. You lose one and kiss that car good bye if it happens at speed.

holy rust..
anyway those ball joints arent too expensive. way cheaper then smashing your car into a wall, and it'll tighten up your front end.
new stuff is always a good idea.

Yeah those removable balljoints are $53.50 from Malloy, I just ordered some myself. Be glad you don't have a S5, they don't bolt on, they're built into the arm... major $$$.

Unfortunately I have no torque tool to tighten that bolt... and I don't want it to be loose nor borke the blot... maybe just apply maximum hand torque with a short hand sized tubular hexagon tool?

Yes. Tighten the pinch bolt. Even if there is some wear from being loose, it appears you have enough space on the clamp to get it tight.