Replacing lower control arm

[Aklass]

So today after putting my car on a lift for alignment, I found that the control arm is bent. Can anyone post a DIY? and what Parts I need? Usually when you purchase a lower control arm, it comes with a ball joint, however when I looked up the part on Napa and advanced auto, it says it is not required or N/A for the ball joint. So should I purchase one or is it not required?
Thanks!

[talonXracer]

The ball joint is pressed into the knuckle and the tapered pin end goes into the control arm.

[Aklass]

The ball joint is pressed into the knuckle and the tapered pin end goes into the control arm.

so I should be able to reuse it?

[Mighty_Mouse_Ep]

you should be able to reuse it the ball joint is on the knuckle not on the LCA. Are you gonna install them your self, if you do make sure you have the correct ball joint remover. When i did my LCA bushing i messed up one of the ball joints because i didnt have the right tool.

[Aklass]

you should be able to reuse it the ball joint is on the knuckle not on the LCA. Are you gonna install them your self, if you do make sure you have the correct ball joint remover. When i did my LCA bushing i messed up one of the ball joints because i didnt have the right tool.

What tool? I just bought a genuine LCA, and hopefully I don't screw this up... Also can someone link me to a napa/advanced auto/ autozone replacement clip for the ball joint?

[Mighty_Mouse_Ep]

I used this one from Harbor Freight only 20 bucks and it worked the first time. Also in the back of car mag's there is always a 20% off coupon for harbor freight.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-qua....html?___SID=U

[HondaFreak]

Just FYI, be careful and use that in addition to a hammer. You can bend the ball joint with that tool. ^^^^

[Aklass]

usually when removing a ball joint, I've used a pry bar and hammered the control arm, to use that tool, you just place one end on the nut or the ball joint and the other on the arm and screw down?

[k20power]

I was replacing my ball joint and took it out a with a hammer but the all the end of the threads good thing I was replacing it n not using it again..I just change my lower control arms and is not hard at all

[Aklass]

I'm hoping the ball joint isn't damaged so I can reuse it, To remove the LCA, I can just use a pry bar and hammer right?

[27rocks]

I'm hoping the ball joint isn't damaged so I can reuse it, To remove the LCA, I can just use a pry bar and hammer right?

I would use a proper tool to remove it. A pry bar will most likely damage the ball joint and the dust cover boot. If you can get that tool ^^^ and use it properly. You might have to bang on the LCA a little to pop it out but it will save the threads and the dust cover boot.

[Mighty_Mouse_Ep]

what i did was i used that tool. I put the tool on the ball joint then hit the side of the LCA and it popped right out. I used the too to put tension and pressure on the joint first then hit it lightly with a hammer.

[Aklass]

umm hate to sound like an idiot, but how the hell do you use that tool?
Edit: after talking with my dad who is helping me do this, he said "why do we need to buy that?" and he said that he would just use a floor jack to put some pressure on the ball joint

[27rocks]

umm hate to sound like an idiot, but how the hell do you use that tool?
Edit: after talking with my dad who is helping me do this, he said "why do we need to buy that?" and he said that he would just use a floor jack to put some pressure on the ball joint

That wont work...

[Aklass]

I'll just let him fail for not listening to me, We're going to make a visit to HF for cotter pins anyways, so I might as well make him buy one