| From | Message |
Rod O
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/26/2005
15:51:59
|
 Subject: Ball Joint Rivet Problem
IP: Logged
Message:
I'm in the process of replacing the ball joints on my '98 V6 2WD Dakota. I removed the wheel and spindle and everything so that I have full access to the ball joints. I was trying to remove the lower ball joint rivets and ran into problems. I used a chisel to pop the heads off the top of the rivets but now they appear to be stuck. I've tried using a hammer and punch to pound them out and I've also tried drilling through the center of one, they won't come out. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to remedy this situation and perhaps avoid it on the other wheel? Thanks in advance.
|
Anthony
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/26/2005
16:56:18
|  RE: Ball Joint Rivet Problem
IP: Logged
Message:
You should be able to drill them out. Is the bit sharp??
|
jay
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/28/2005
10:43:18
| RE: Ball Joint Rivet Problem
IP: Logged
Message:
you have to drill them out, it just takes a while
|
?
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/28/2005
11:29:01
| RE: Ball Joint Rivet Problem
IP: Logged
Message:
And then use bolts,nuts and lockwashers
to reassemble..
|
Bob Firment
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/01/2005
23:43:05
| RE: Ball Joint Rivet Problem
IP: Logged
Message:
I have a 97 V6 and am looking to replace mine also. Can you give me any tips? I found this site that has good info.
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/balljoint.php
rfirment@cfl.rr.com
|
Deep Purple
*GenIII*
3/04/2005
06:30:49
| RE: Ball Joint Rivet Problem
IP: Logged
Message:
Drilling out is the only way to fly. You may use a hair size bigger bit once you get the hole through. I did mine myself. Tops were a peice of cake. The bottoms were a little harder. The rivets had flaired in the "A" frame. But once you get a good hole through, you should be able to take a hammer and break them loose. Good luck.
|
RAMRODSKI
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/26/2010
08:47:38
| RE: Ball Joint Rivet Problem
IP: Logged
Message:
There is an excellent post on this subject at http://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-dakota/231427-2-wheel-drive-lower-ball-joints-how-to-w-pics.html
This refers to the bottom ball joints. The upper ball joints are a snap. Just grind off the heads and punch them out. As for the bottom ball joints check out the link above.
I would like to add some suggestions. You HAVE to do this from the top because the bottom of the rivets have a bulge in them. I did not drill all the way through the rivets. I removed the heads of the rivets using a combination of grinder, dremel tool and air chisel. I only drilled down to the bottom of the ball joint flange. This technique avoided the possibility of damaging the holes on the bottom of the control arms, allowed me to fill the holes with oil for lubricating and cooling my drill bit, and required less drilling. My last bit was 3/8". This left the rivets looking much like a spent shell casing with a very thin side wall. I then easily punched out what was left of the rivets. I needed to get a new sway bar link and opted for a Duralast from Autozone. I stripped both nuts that came with the package. Fortunately, my old nut worked and I added another nut to back it up. You may want to buy a better quality part to avoid this problem.
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
