Steeda X-2 Balljoint Installation Issue

GT Ninja · 02-21-2008, 10:06 AM

So I took off my A-Arms and brought them to a shop to get my old balljoints pressed out and the new Steeda X-2 pressed in to go along with my bumpsteer kit. I bring them home to install them back in, got the spindal and all the suspension buckled in on one side and then drop the spindal on the balljoint on the other side and use the air gun to hammer down the bolt to lock down the spindal and bam, the balljoint pops out of its seat through the bottom. Now I couldn't necessarily push it all the way back into its seat by hand, but if i put it in place and attached the strut to the spindal and gently lower the a-arm using the jack it was able to get pulled essentially back into place. What I'm afraid of, is even if I get everything dialed in on that side, will the upward pressure of the tire on the road pushing up against the spindal help hold the balljoint in place or will it likely pop out when I hit a bump and kill me? Am I out of luck at this point or is there any suggestions or advice anyone can give me? Thanks!

r3dn3ck · 02-21-2008, 01:54 PM

it shouldn't be able to pop out. I think someone didn't put it in right in the first place. Take it back and have them do it right or buy you a new A-arm and press the bushing into that. The balljoint is raising the spindle so if it's not pressed snugly into the control arm you're going to have a bad day.

GT Ninja · 02-21-2008, 11:22 PM

Niiiice, all is well! So apparently they weren't pressed in all the way on both sides. The shop made good and replaced the boot on the one that was torn and got them pressed in correctly and are holding great. They even tack-welded the base to prevent any possibly slipping and to ease my worries. Can't wait to get this thing back together and back on the road.

ShaggyGT · 02-27-2008, 02:10 PM

What kind of shop did you go to, like a Meineke or STS? I'm about to do the same install and was just going to get (maybe rent) a ball joint press. Taking it to the shop might save me from getting frustrated.

r3dn3ck · 02-27-2008, 02:12 PM

don't do it yourself. If you screw up you have to buy your own replacement parts. have a pro do it so you can blame him if it turns out like GT Ninja's

02-21-2008, 10:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
GT Ninja Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: The hard streets of Cali! Posts: 136	Steeda X-2 Balljoint Installation Issue So I took off my A-Arms and brought them to a shop to get my old balljoints pressed out and the new Steeda X-2 pressed in to go along with my bumpsteer kit. I bring them home to install them back in, got the spindal and all the suspension buckled in on one side and then drop the spindal on the balljoint on the other side and use the air gun to hammer down the bolt to lock down the spindal and bam, the balljoint pops out of its seat through the bottom. Now I couldn't necessarily push it all the way back into its seat by hand, but if i put it in place and attached the strut to the spindal and gently lower the a-arm using the jack it was able to get pulled essentially back into place. What I'm afraid of, is even if I get everything dialed in on that side, will the upward pressure of the tire on the road pushing up against the spindal help hold the balljoint in place or will it likely pop out when I hit a bump and kill me? Am I out of luck at this point or is there any suggestions or advice anyone can give me? Thanks! __________________ 2003 Stealth Mustang GT Parts List:

02-21-2008, 01:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
r3dn3ck Wowbagger hates me too! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Magrathea/California Posts: 7,182	it shouldn't be able to pop out. I think someone didn't put it in right in the first place. Take it back and have them do it right or buy you a new A-arm and press the bushing into that. The balljoint is raising the spindle so if it's not pressed snugly into the control arm you're going to have a bad day. __________________ Built 5.5L 2v and Maximum Motorsports Max Grip box. www.squarerootofone.com

02-21-2008, 11:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
GT Ninja Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: The hard streets of Cali! Posts: 136	Niiiice, all is well! So apparently they weren't pressed in all the way on both sides. The shop made good and replaced the boot on the one that was torn and got them pressed in correctly and are holding great. They even tack-welded the base to prevent any possibly slipping and to ease my worries. Can't wait to get this thing back together and back on the road. __________________ 2003 Stealth Mustang GT Parts List: Last edited by GT Ninja : 02-22-2008 at 03:24 PM. Reason: Status Update

02-27-2008, 02:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
ShaggyGT Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Central Jersey Posts: 48	What kind of shop did you go to, like a Meineke or STS? I'm about to do the same install and was just going to get (maybe rent) a ball joint press. Taking it to the shop might save me from getting frustrated. __________________ -Will 12s OR BUST!!!

02-27-2008, 02:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
r3dn3ck Wowbagger hates me too! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Magrathea/California Posts: 7,182	don't do it yourself. If you screw up you have to buy your own replacement parts. have a pro do it so you can blame him if it turns out like GT Ninja's __________________ Built 5.5L 2v and Maximum Motorsports Max Grip box. www.squarerootofone.com

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