In-situ 6.9 rear strut ball joint replacement

[WGB]

I replaced my left rear strut ball joint earlier this year and Styria wasn't able to supply another for the right side at the time - it was loose but not terminal.

At the time I reassembled the right strut and nipped it up without much too much force between the strut and ball joint in the hope that I could change the joint more easily without having to take out the electric rear seat when the ball joint arrived.

Anyway changed it today without removing the strut. It still took a lot of force with two spanners but there was plenty of room to work.

As Styria has said before - not so sure you could crack a 30 year old strut without it being on the bench.

Bill

 

[Styria]

Hi WGB, that's a sterling effort on your part accompanied a little by leaving the fitting a little "loose".

I'd love to be able to replace those ball joints without the need for removal from the car, but as you know, they DO take some undoing. Plus, of course, if the gaiter is to be replaced, it is another reason to remove the struts from the car, even if just for cleaning purposes. Just have a look at TJ450's picture of the strut that he refurbished. Regards Styria

 

[WGB]

My rear struts looked the same as his picture when new gaiters were fitted earlier this year and still look pretty pristine as I don't drive the car in the rain.

I was surprised how much the ball joint had deteriorated over the year even with a low mileage as there is now almost a cm of movement in that joint.

I haven't had a chance to drive the car since I fitted it but maybe this afternoon.

Bill

 

[TJ 450]

A combined 1cm is a lot of play, quite surprising, was the boot intact?

Even if original, I can imagine that it wouldn't be impossible to undo the rears in-situ. The fronts on the other hand, would be near impossible.

When tightening the upper nut on my rear struts, I found that I needed to counter-hold the strut from beneath. I also used a second 'Lock Nut' for extra security.

I can image that rear seat of yours to be a monumental removal task, not something you would want to do every day.

Tim

 

[WGB]

The electric rear seat is a bit harder to get out but getting the three bolts back into the lower runners is very difficult and took me several attempts over two days last time. I hope I have worked out a more efficient way this time....

The rear seat will be coming out over xmas for recovering but I thought I would try this first.

Bill