HELP! Have I buggered my A frame ball joint

Hi all

I need your help please. I've purchase a 12tonne workshop press. And I've come to press in the Ball joint into the fulcrum this evening.

I struggled to press the ball joint in square for some occasions while I was pressing it in. But the last 1/3rd of the pressing action was smooth and square.

The ball joint is now snug and square in the fulcrum. However the ball joint is very stiff. Which I didn't notice before I pressed it in. It's that stiff it's very difficult to move by hand.

Have I damaged the ball joint and fulcrum? Or will it be okay?

Thanks in advance. Yes I know I'm a bloody idiot.

They are quite tight when brand new, quite a lot of brand new ball joints are hard to move.
It'll probably be fine

Thankyou mate. I can only just move it by hand. It's very stiff. I did press in on the flange too

Which part are you meaning when you say the flange?

td5tool said:

Which part are you meaning when you say the flange?

Click to expand...

Like the ears of the joint. Basically around the rubber boot where the holes are.

Ahh that's where I press on them if were thinking of the same bit,
I'm sure you'll be fine

I bought a new fulcrum with the ball joint already pressed in because I didn't have a press and mine was just about moveable by hand, that's how they are when new. They only flop around when they're worn out and need changing!

Thanks lads. Pleased to hear that.

I've just pressed in genuine bushes into the A frame arm. I've learnt my lesson. They went in a treat

Now you just got the joy of fitting it all back... a day of impact wrench whine in my ears, and rust dust in my eyes...

I fitted genuine too... the old ones have lasted 14 years...

Nice smooth and tight feel back, like new

The Gribbin said:

Now you just got the joy of fitting it all back... a day of impact wrench whine in my ears, and rust dust in my eyes...

I fitted genuine too... the old ones have lasted 14 years...

Nice smooth and tight feel back, like new

Click to expand...

With all new bolts it shouldn't be too bad. I've got a helper tomorrow too.

Have you fitted genuine all round? Does it feel much better?