I was putting my suspension back together, and I see that on the brake spindle there is a ball joint that need to be replaced, the boot is torn. I went to the local stores to get a puller, but 1-no one seemed to carry the part for the ball joint on the spindle, only the ball joint on the control arms. I guess I am looking for the part numbers for the ball joint, and a recommendation on a ball joint press and puller that works with our balljoints. I seem to recall when I was working on the Honda Accord we have that it also required a special "Honda" version of a balljoint puller that I had to get, so I am wondering if the same things is with this car.

Anyway, any suggestions for the tool or the parts would be appreciated.

 

I bought Moog lower ball joints for my suspension refresh, which I started on yesterday. However I haven't gotten to popping the old ones out yet so can't help you with which press to use. I was just going to rent one of the kits from Autozone. As far as the part itself, Infiniti only sells the lower ball joint with the spindle/knuckle assembly, which is why I went aftermarket. The usual suspects (Rockauto, Z1, CZP) all carry them.

 

Thanks. Moog is what I ordered as well.

However, it seems that one needs a very specific and not always in the kit 2 7/8th diameter for these to be removed. It appears most places don't have this size. If you do, please tell me which one worked. We tried Advanced and OReillys but they didn't have the right size, they were close like 2 5/8th or something. Right now I can't find a kit that's not $300 for the right part.

 

I remember reading something like that here as well while doing research. I planned on taking one of them to A-zone to make sure the kit has exactly what I need. On their website they list several kits that are part of the loan-a-tool program. You'll probably get to this before I do though. I was hoping to get them installed this coming weekend, but there's a good chance it won't happen, and if it doesn't then I probably won't get to it until September. I have two trips in August, plus a wedding, a wedding anniversary etc...

 

I'm moving at the same speed as you. I won't get to them until maybe the weekend. I'm still working on getting my pilot bearing out and my transmission back in first. Just queuing up my next project for the car since last two stores didn't have the right size.

 

You guys are gluttons for punishment.
I just plan to buy a complete control arm set and install it, just like I did with the Audi.

Then and only then would I refurbish the original arm set...at my leisure...

Having said that.....keep us posted!

Edit: ahhhh I just saw what joint you are talking about...the spindle joint!! Youtube!!
definitely keep me posted...and good luck!!

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BwSmAhdWn1I

 

Sure, if it was a control bushing in the control arm, that would be easier, and I agree that's what I would do.. This is in the brake spindle as I stated in my original post.. Not spending $500+ for a replacement brake spindle when a $40 ball joint replacement is the waaaaay cheaper thing to do. I have no choice in this case but to be a glutton for some punishment

 

I have to cross this bridge too.
Maybe the youtube vid will help.

I have the little red ball joint kit he talks about, now I know I need the 23 part powerbilt kit for this g35 job.

The video shows exactly which cups to use and how.

 

Yes, the knuckle/spindle joint (hadn't seen this referred to as "brake spindle" before...) that also attaches to the LCA. I actually did buy all new control arms (upper and lower) so I wouldn't have to futz with getting the bushings in and out on the lower, and the ball joint on the upper can't be replaced separately for my '04. I have a pile of parts here for this suspension refresh, which I had planned on summarizing in the "what did you do to your G today?" thread once I do finish, someday...

Thanks for the link, hadn't seen that video before.

 

I refer to the brake spindle since that tells you exactly where I am referring to vs the control arm, You are right, the very specific area is the knuckle joint on the spindle.

None of the autozones near me seem to carry the Powerbuilt 23 piece set

https://www.powerbuilt.com/products/...-servicekit-46

But that does seem to be what is needed.

 

This is the one I use.


This video goes over the process as well, DON'T FORGET THE SNAP RING!


You should also reuse your existing cone washer.

 

Thank you very much, I'm ordering this now.

Just for curiosity, why reuse the cone washer vs using a new one that comes with the bushings? Are they inferior?

 

I was already planning on re-using the tapered seat/cone as well. I've read a few posts here about aftermarket ones not fitting the same as OEM.

 

It's incredibly common for the aftermarket ball joint cones to be off by a degree and cause a clunking sound or just not sit flush. Chinese manufacturing at it's finest...

EDIT: F.... found where my pictures ended up lol. WRONG POST!