Ed Petry

Hi everyone,

Does one automatically replace aluminum lower ball joints or wait for signs of failure?

Mrmerlin

Ed you should not drive the car till the aluminum ball joints are replaced,
the usual failure mode is for them is to pull apart when the wheels are turned close to full lock

928nut

I concur !!! (ask me why)

GregBBRD

Automatically replace.
If you are one of the clowns that thinks originality trumps safety, I believe that 928 International has rebuilt aluminum ball joints, with the ball retained by steel, instead of aluminum.

Ed Petry

Thanks everyone. Appreciate the information and advice.

@Greg - not to start something rather my attempt to learn. I understand that safety is paramount and originality ends at safety first.

How would one know if the ball joints are the steel rebuilt type? Is there a way to tell from inspection? Also, if they are the rebuilt type are they safe to use? My thought is - if these ball joints are the rebuilt type should I replace matter-of-fact or are they okay to use? My 928 appears to have been trashed but taken care of to a degree making me think the PO might have know of the issue and replaced the original. With that said are new ones solid aluminum or simply inserts?.

Also, I am not a clown yet some think I'm funny looking...mostly just the family...LOL

GregBBRD

Rebuilt aluminum ball joints are a very recent development by 928 International, in response to people that wanted the original appearance of the aluminum ball joint carrier on their cars, without the chance of the ball coming out of the original aluminum socket.

in order for you to have these, they would need to be very new looking.

Give Mark a call (928 International) 714 632 9288 and he can tell you more about this product.

Mrmerlin

Ed, Just buy the new Steel versions of the LOWER BJ and install them,
these are not rebuilt they are brand new.

NOTE you also need to get one additional eccentric for each BJ,
you will use the other eccentric already installed on the original BJ,
and discard the one that doesnt match the new part.
these eccentrics are used for setting the Castor and Camber, tie rod sets toe.

NOTE with a magnet you can test if it will stick to a metal BJ ,
the magnet will not stick to the aluminum version.

NOTE from some of this info, you may be confused about rebuilt Ball Joints,
as the upper BJ can be rebuilt,
usually on the car.
The Lower BJ is unbolted , removed and replaced.

NOTE posting a picture will also make it easier to spot the AL version

buccicone

There you have it, Ed.

Ed Petry

Pictures of the bottom of the ball joints. Sorry for the lack of clean.

bottom of the right side - quick picture on my way to work this morning

bottom of the right side - quick picture on my way to work this morning

bottom of the left side - quick picture on my way to work this morning

Mrmerlin

those are the aluminum, versions replace as once

jbrob007

I thought this question was asked & answered already…. Twice. Oh well, if Stan or Greg say “Do it” then Just Do It… You know who to call and don’t buy used parts… or anything off eBay… or Parts Geek…

Ed Petry

Thanks everyone. Bought and installed steel lowers.
Alignment next week after the 100 mile 'break-in' test drive...