A Frame Balljoint - Lining bolts up on replacing

Hi all,

Swapping out the A-Frame balljoint on my disco 200tdi - I thought removing would always be the major problem here but when it comes to refitting the bolts are struggling to line up and slide in.

In regard to bolts these are the ones sliding into the top of the new a frame balljoint, the two 19mm, I just cannot line them up, any tips or tricks? Is worth getting the car jacked up?

Thanks

Tapered punch works for me.

Flossie said:

Tapered punch works for me.

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+1^
I think they may make a special long tapered tool, judicious use of ratchet strap, just a lickle one, IF you can get one in, may work too.
Stuff like these.
https://www.toolstation.com/roughne...MI8fKqyLCF8QIVB5ftCh2IawBJEAQYBSABEgInzPD_BwE

Top Tips guys thanks alot - I did insert a very long screwdriver, but even then one side was so difficult to line up and when the bolt started to get through it dropped

For anyone else having completed the same, pls keep the ideas rolling in.

Baker556 said:

Top Tips guys thanks alot - I did insert a very long screwdriver, but even then one side was so difficult to line up and when the bolt started to get through it dropped

For anyone else having completed the same, pls keep the ideas rolling in.

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Small scissor jack or even a ball joint remover or summat that can be wound in or out via a bolt? Maybe make up a special tool?
But yes, judicious use of jacks and blocks of wood, why not?

Never done this job so don't know, but if there are two bolts to go in, in roughly at least the same plane, then can you not use one of the tools mentioned to line up one set of holes and then get a bolt in the other pair?
If all else fails is there any mileage in taking it all apart, bolting up loosely the difficult ones then reassembling?
Basic rule obvs is never tighten anything up until all the bolts and nuts are on.

have you fitted the ball joint to the axle?

Id bolt it to the arms first It should not be dificult as there nothing under tension then.

@EeEk tried both ways still having difficulty it's almost like there is tension on one of the arms not making it square.

The disco is on the ground without jacks.

That's brave having no jack under there, nothing to stop the axle rotating. Get the chassis picked up a bit and supported, as mentioned above fit the balljoint bracket to the arms first

hmm, didn't think the axle could rotate from this - will try this method thanks

Baker556 said:

hmm, didn't think the axle could rotate from this - will try this method thanks

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In theory it could possibly rotate.....but it wont Better to be safe than sorry though....stick something thats taller than a flattend you under it just in case

Baker556 said:

hmm, didn't think the axle could rotate from this - will try this method thanks

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Its one of the A frames jobs, prevent rotation and side to side movement