How to change ball joint (boot) Options

[onnaj]

Hello,

My celica didn't pass the yearly test because of a worn ball joint cover and the light adjustment.

I'm wondering though how to replace the ball joint? Can't find a write up about it unfortunately so i don't know how much work is involved with it.
Is it also possible to just change the boot for an aftermarket one?

Thanks!

[richee3]

I generally don't use a pickle fork or take my axle out when I take the ball joints out. Both can be helpful, but I'm lazy and avoid extra steps, plus a couple of light taps with a hammer will free the ball joint up. I typically do it like this:

-Take 17mm socket, break the two nuts and one bolt free underneath the control arm.
-Break lug nuts free, jack car up and put on jack stands, and remove wheel(s).
-Remove cotter pin and castle nut from the top of the ball joint. 19mm, I think. Since I never take the axle out, I have to use an end wrench instead of a ratchet.
-Take ball peen hammer and lightly tap the bolts underneath the control arm and the top of the ball joint to free it.
-Put the new ball joint into place, put the castle nut and cotter pin in place, then pry the control arm down and put the bottom bolts into place.

Those steps are very vague, but last time I replaced my ball joints it took 30 minutes per side.