Hi guys. After some advice

Need to replace lower track control arm for MOT (no problem) but have an advisory that the upper track arm is going to need replacing before next test. No mention of ball joint wear.
I know in the real world if changing the upper track arm I guess it's worth fitting a new balljoint but have read they can be a pain in ass to get out due to the 2 torx and then it needing beating/pressing out?? So tempted to take a chance on leaving balljoint if not too worn.

Can anyone advise if it's possible to change the top track arm and balljoint without removing the lower one? Or do you have to remove the lower to give you access to get a swing on the top?

Basically will give me the answer if I'll need to get cold and wet and just change the lower for MOT and worry about the top in summer. Or if to get really cold and wet and change both!

If that makes sence?
Cheers
Tel. Accept, some days your the pigeon, some days your the statue!

One can be done without the other and visa versa far as I can remember. The ball joint is a bit of a pain to remove by all accounts but it will most likely be the thing which is failing. The big rubber bush on the other end has loads of wear built in and comes as part of the arm (can be bought as a bush but not much point).

If you are going to do an it of swearing then you might as well do a lot and get it over with!! There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
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http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic40991.html

I nearly lost it with mine and set alight to the car!!

Is that the arm you need to change? The other one is easy  

Oh damn. Yeah that's the one!  Accept, some days your the pigeon, some days your the statue!

So decided today was as good a day as any to start the job! Armed with a bent screwdriver , large hammer and my copy of "A-Z of swear words" I threw myself head long into it!
I brought the back lower ball joint but when I come to changing it, it was still good. No play and so I left it. Changed Track rod end, lower track arm, top track arm and track rod in 2 hrs! Everything went perfect! Sure as something else' will bite me in the arse later but for now I'm well chuffed!
I did attempt to beat the balljoint out but it weren't playing and as it was good I've left it.

Only thing I didn't check was the physical length of the new track rod and track rod end against the old. I obviously counted the turns and replaced the same going back but she does to the eye look more knock kneed than old Mary at No47!

Goes back in for retest and 4 wheel alignment next week so will see.

Cheers guys
Tel Accept, some days your the pigeon, some days your the statue!

Stacker wrote:

http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic40991.html

I nearly lost it with mine and set alight to the car!!

Is that the arm you need to change? The other one is easy

How's the therapy going Stacks ?