Thanks so much for this video! You saved me thousands! To anyone who is having trouble getting the upright to detach from the ball joint, keep working at it. I spend hours and days hammering on it with the sledge, I threw some more wd40 on there before I left the shop for the night, then decided: why not just hit it one more time for good measure. One single tap with a small hammer and it dropped right out.
Since you asked, watching from Mexico! Have a 2001 xterra, 3.3, 4x2, need to get front end ball joints and tie 4ods done you make it look so easy! I think most of my bolts are on there from day one, should be fun!
Finally finished this up today and what a PITA job ended up being. I had to go to tractor supply and get those washers also. Replaced the axel and both ball joints
Great job explaining the whole process thoroughly. These jobs are time consuming and the repair shops love them. Saved me a considerable about of cash. Thank you!
Watching from Northern Vermont. Thank you for the video, it was a huge help. I have a '04 Frontier 4WD that the lower ball joints needed to be replaced, I ordered the set from Amazon and the lower had to be pressed in, they did not need the washer. The lowers are Moog part # K80591. A perfect fit!
It might be worth pointing out that you don't need to pull the hub completely apart to get the CV axle out of the steering knuckle. Just need to remove the clip.
Thanks for another great video. This is on my to do list in a couple of months for my '02 4x4 manual Xterra. Keep it up, great job on all of the videos! -Houston, Tx
@@evanferree Nice! Is it a 4x4 or 2wd? I just did this with my mechanic and one of the ball joints was welded on from the previous owner so we had to replace the whole lower control arm on the passenger side. What ball joints are you using? If you want to meet up let me know I am also in the Houston Xterra group on facebook.
Thank you for your video's!! I have a 02 Xterra that I have pretty much done everything to and now getting ready to do a 03 Frontier 4x4. I am doing the rear main seal, oil pan gaskets and Ball joints. You videos were very helpful when I was working on the Xterra. Heck, I even bought the same puller set as you. lol...
I’m currently doing this same project. Initially just doing the cv axel but as usual NOTHING goes according to plan!! Went and got this puller tool so hopefully tomorrow get it done and I’ll see about the washers for the gap too, interesting that the new one was really loose
@@jlusink1423 seriously , the g clamp is more powerful than hardware store variants and brake pad spreaders , I use my kit to push back the pistons in the caliper , where I'd struggle with the other tools which I have incidentally
in your opinion is it safer to just replace the upper and lower control arms, vs just changing the ball joints? I'm on the fence because as you know its much easier to just change the ball joint, much less work and no alignment.
Watching from Massachusetts and my reason for going to this video was exactly the problem you’re having with the lower ball joints I didn’t know what the heck I was gonna do put them in there the nut bottoms out the whole ball joint moves now I got to go look for some shims like you got thank you very much
Nathan, i'm in Texas. This was a great video, it gave me the confidence to do this job myself, it was my first time replacing ball joints, and saved me a lot of money. Now i need to do the brakes as the next project. And thanks for the tip on those bushings, I bought them ahead of time and was prepared, only thing is i ended up putting them on top and then the nut instead of underneath. I have a rear wheel drive instead of a 4wd. Thanks man
560 dollars???? What a steal lol a local mechanic wanted 1,300 dollars to do the upper and lower ball joints on my 02 xterra and another shop estimated 1,800! Planning on doing them this weekend haha thanks for this video!
Man when I had that explorer I needed a special bottom ball joint to get out!!!! Why can’t they make em like most common ways!!! Great job Nate. I’ve learned a lot from your channel man.
I have an 06 Xterra an just had the UCA replaced due to wear. The rattles noises are gone but the ride feels pretty stiff now. I have noticed that when looking straight at the ball joints from the front that the UCA-to-spindle angle is quite sharp. The mechanic says the joints are at the proper angle, but it almost looks like the CA is not long enough and thus leading to the sharp angle. In other words, if the CA was an inch longer then the ball joint itself would sit more straight up and down. I have compared old pictures and the angle of the BJ is far less severe. I would appreciate any thoughts you may have.
That lower threaded ball joint, it virtually fell out the second time, so when u put new washer on did it need pressed again, or did it just tighten up with the nut ? I am about to "try" and change one on a 2005, Nissan Navara !!
Ran into the same issue with the lower ball joint still being loose after tightening the holding nut. My fix was: using a angle grinder, grinding down the first shoulder down a little more than 1/16" ( basically allowing the ball joint to move further up) so that the contact face of the ball joint would seat against the surface of the control arm.
@@FixingWithPassion Issue with using the shims is that the ball joint itself is never in contact and secured to the control arm which could cause it to rotate.
Same thing happened to me with the loose lower ball joints, i ended up getting a moog i believe they were the oversized version but boy were they TIGHT, i used a pipe wrench and a 4ft long pipe to pull it up through the arm, next time ill just buy the arm assembly instead of going through that nightmare again
Nice video brother, what brand of ball joints did you use, I gotta do the same job on mine and I ordered some Moog joints, I hope I dont run into the same fitting issue when installing them, Thanks ✌
Hello @Nathan Rohrbough, I'm on the home stretch finally on getting my driver's side lower ball joint replacement done. Right now I've hit a snag. The studs for the ball joints and outer tierod end keep spinning when tightening the castle nuts. I've been reading online that people just jack up or lower the LCA enough to put tension on the joint. Did you have this problem? What did you do? Thank you.
what are the specs on the snap ring pliers you had to use during this im in portland doing the same repair and am having issues getting the correct tool to complete this part
Its funny on the upper ball joint, have seen other videos where people take a chisel and hammer striking the top of the upper ball joint, knocking it out of upper control arm. They don't look underneath for snap ring.
Instead of a super charger, why not do a VQ35 engine swap from a 2002 pathfinder? That engine I believe had 250 hp. It was the engine upgrade for the pathfinder that the xterras and frontiers never received (sadly).
Be careful and don't forget to check the FSM for instructions on how to preload the bearings and how to torque them properly. The bearings are actually not very tight at all. Not knowing this cost me a lot of time and money only to find out that my bearings were too tight.
Thanks so much for this video! You saved me thousands!
To anyone who is having trouble getting the upright to detach from the ball joint, keep working at it. I spend hours and days hammering on it with the sledge, I threw some more wd40 on there before I left the shop for the night, then decided: why not just hit it one more time for good measure. One single tap with a small hammer and it dropped right out.
Thats great !!
It’s the best video I’ve seen so far…..full pictures and explanations!!! Thank you SIR!
I’ll work on my ‘04 Frontier this weekend.
Nice!!~!~
Hi, could you provide links to the new ball joints that you used? Looking to do this job for my 2000 Xterra.
Ok!
Since you asked, watching from Mexico! Have a 2001 xterra, 3.3, 4x2, need to get front end ball joints and tie 4ods done you make it look so easy! I think most of my bolts are on there from day one, should be fun!
Watching from Eugowra NSW Australia.
Nice!
Finally finished this up today and what a PITA job ended up being. I had to go to tractor supply and get those washers also. Replaced the axel and both ball joints
Great job explaining the whole process thoroughly. These jobs are time consuming and the repair shops love them. Saved me a considerable about of cash. Thank you!
Nice!!!
I've been looking for a video like this for 3 years 😭😭😭 thank u
The timing of this video is perfect. I’m about to do this same job. I have all 4 joints ready
Nice!!
Thank you buddy great job I didn’t know that there was a special tool to use it really made the job easier God bless you
Nice!!
Watching from Northern Vermont. Thank you for the video, it was a huge help. I have a '04 Frontier 4WD that the lower ball joints needed to be replaced, I ordered the set from Amazon and the lower had to be pressed in, they did not need the washer. The lowers are Moog part # K80591. A perfect fit!
Nice!!!
This video was a life saver. Had to remind myself to walk away a few times like you said but I got it done!
It might be worth pointing out that you don't need to pull the hub completely apart to get the CV axle out of the steering knuckle. Just need to remove the clip.
The washers dont seem to be made anymore, and I cant seem to find these online.
Super helpful video my guy. I've never done ball joints but I'm in the process of doing my 2004 frontier and this video is extremely helpful.
Right on man!!
Thanks for another great video. This is on my to do list in a couple of months for my '02 4x4 manual Xterra. Keep it up, great job on all of the videos! -Houston, Tx
I have an 01 Frontier and I’m also doing this and the upper control arm and idler and pitman arms. Also live in Houston, Tx 🤘 good luck brother
@@evanferree Nice! Is it a 4x4 or 2wd? I just did this with my mechanic and one of the ball joints was welded on from the previous owner so we had to replace the whole lower control arm on the passenger side. What ball joints are you using? If you want to meet up let me know I am also in the Houston Xterra group on facebook.
Thank you for your video's!! I have a 02 Xterra that I have pretty much done everything to and now getting ready to do a 03 Frontier 4x4. I am doing the rear main seal, oil pan gaskets and Ball joints. You videos were very helpful when I was working on the Xterra. Heck, I even bought the same puller set as you. lol...
Nice!!
I’m currently doing this same project. Initially just doing the cv axel but as usual NOTHING goes according to plan!! Went and got this puller tool so hopefully tomorrow get it done and I’ll see about the washers for the gap too, interesting that the new one was really loose
Seems to be at least two days out of the week that happens to me.
Great video!! I have a question, are the frontier d22 suspension parts compatible with this xterra model?
Best documentary and camera work on this tool and procedures on you tube , I have the exact same kit and also use it to do brake jobs
Seriously
@@jlusink1423 seriously , the g clamp is more powerful than hardware store variants and brake pad spreaders , I use my kit to push back the pistons in the caliper , where I'd struggle with the other tools which I have incidentally
in your opinion is it safer to just replace the upper and lower control arms, vs just changing the ball joints? I'm on the fence because as you know its much easier to just change the ball joint, much less work and no alignment.
This guy’s incredible
Hey!
Watching from Massachusetts and my reason for going to this video was exactly the problem you’re having with the lower ball joints I didn’t know what the heck I was gonna do put them in there the nut bottoms out the whole ball joint moves now I got to go look for some shims like you got thank you very much
Nice!!
Nathan, i'm in Texas. This was a great video, it gave me the confidence to do this job myself, it was my first time replacing ball joints, and saved me a lot of money. Now i need to do the brakes as the next project. And thanks for the tip on those bushings, I bought them ahead of time and was prepared, only thing is i ended up putting them on top and then the nut instead of underneath. I have a rear wheel drive instead of a 4wd. Thanks man
Nice!!
560 dollars???? What a steal lol a local mechanic wanted 1,300 dollars to do the upper and lower ball joints on my 02 xterra and another shop estimated 1,800! Planning on doing them this weekend haha thanks for this video!
Man when I had that explorer I needed a special bottom ball joint to get out!!!! Why can’t they make em like most common ways!!! Great job Nate. I’ve learned a lot from your channel man.
I have an 06 Xterra an just had the UCA replaced due to wear. The rattles noises are gone but the ride feels pretty stiff now. I have noticed that when looking straight at the ball joints from the front that the UCA-to-spindle angle is quite sharp. The mechanic says the joints are at the proper angle, but it almost looks like the CA is not long enough and thus leading to the sharp angle. In other words, if the CA was an inch longer then the ball joint itself would sit more straight up and down. I have compared old pictures and the angle of the BJ is far less severe. I would appreciate any thoughts you may have.
That lower threaded ball joint, it virtually fell out the second time, so when u put new washer on did it need pressed again, or did it just tighten up with the nut ?
I am about to "try" and change one on a 2005, Nissan Navara !!
Ran into the same issue with the lower ball joint still being loose after tightening the holding nut.
My fix was: using a angle grinder, grinding down the first shoulder down a little more than 1/16" ( basically allowing the ball joint to move further up) so that the contact face of the ball joint would seat against the surface of the control arm.
Thought of that...then got luck as hell on them shims!!
@@FixingWithPassion Issue with using the shims is that the ball joint itself is never in contact and secured to the control arm which could cause it to rotate.
@@nightflyr1 as tight as that nut is now....It aint going no where...lol
Watching in Vale, NC. Awesome videos on these vehicles. Replacing parts on my 02 Frontier front end this week. Extremely helpful!!!!
Nice!!
Great video. How come you didn't change out those rusty shocks at the same time? There wasn't much left of them! lol.
Thanks for all the tips, it helped a lot. the video is really informative and in depth👌🏽👌🏽
Had no problems with the lower joint when using the Mevotech brand ball joints
Mr. Rohrbough, thanks for such an amazing video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks again. Very helpfull from MÉXICO
Nice!
Watching from Nassau Bahamas for my 2002 Nissan frontier
Heck yea!!
Same thing happened to me with the loose lower ball joints, i ended up getting a moog i believe they were the oversized version but boy were they TIGHT, i used a pipe wrench and a 4ft long pipe to pull it up through the arm, next time ill just buy the arm assembly instead of going through that nightmare again
NIce1`!
Your a life saver
Nice!
Wow, looks like you got your moneys worth out of the old shocks!
Nice video brother, what brand of ball joints did you use, I gotta do the same job on mine and I ordered some Moog joints, I hope I dont run into the same fitting issue when installing them, Thanks ✌
Moog
What brand ball joints did you purchase?
My replacement lower ball joints fit loose in my 2003 frontier. My experimental solution is J-B Weld. Time will tell if it will hold :P
Gracias Nathan por ese video muy bueno
Very well done video and links to the tools and parts . . . Like the hand cleaner too. Liked’ and subscribed also!
Nice!!
Awesome! Watching from Nova Scotia!
NIce!!!
Where can i find the tool you're using?
Thanks for the vidéo. Lower ball joints did the same on mine
Nice!
Hello @Nathan Rohrbough,
I'm on the home stretch finally on getting my driver's side lower ball joint replacement done. Right now I've hit a snag. The studs for the ball joints and outer tierod end keep spinning when tightening the castle nuts. I've been reading online that people just jack up or lower the LCA enough to put tension on the joint. Did you have this problem? What did you do?
Thank you.
Put weight on it.
Watching from Massachusetts!
Nice!!
Tanks a lot from Russia!)
Watching from Nampa Idaho!
Nice!
Nice work! From Cali
Nathan do you have a link for the ball joint tool used
i'm watching from kansas city missouri
Nice!!
what are the specs on the snap ring pliers you had to use during this im in portland doing the same repair and am having issues getting the correct tool to complete this part
1/16" pointers.
@@FixingWithPassion thank you
I am watching from the couch wishing I was doing the same thing, use to watch mechanics at work, I can work on stuff but I can't fix it.
O my!
Whoomp there it is!
What grease did you use?
Its funny on the upper ball joint, have seen other videos where people take a chisel and hammer striking the top of the upper ball joint, knocking it out of upper control arm. They don't look underneath for snap ring.
Right on!!
Watching from VT
Nice!!
Great video I'm in idaho
Non-serviceable parts should be illegal
Yea....
I ended up having to cut that 1 7/8 nut off lol. I tried heat and pb blaster but neither did the trick
Dang!~
Anyone know the size of the nut for the lower ball joint
That shock though
OK. i didnt think the wheel bearings were that easy to get to!
Instead of a super charger, why not do a VQ35 engine swap from a 2002 pathfinder? That engine I believe had 250 hp. It was the engine upgrade for the pathfinder that the xterras and frontiers never received (sadly).
Lascassas,Tennessee
Nice!! Say hello to WD for me. LOL
when i saw this video i saw the number of likes was the devils number
Be careful and don't forget to check the FSM for instructions on how to preload the bearings and how to torque them properly. The bearings are actually not very tight at all. Not knowing this cost me a lot of time and money only to find out that my bearings were too tight.
Woodbridge Virginia
Great!!
Shawboro North Carolina
Nice!!
for $560 I would have let them now I just did mine, nissan made it a pain compared to other brands lol
Right!!
I can’t stop staring at the strut. Or whats left of it. 👀
@Johnny Five Right! I don't know how the body and frame is in such good condition tho...lol
Who needs shocks or strut, you got good leaf springs!
@@greenace9686 Ha! Right!
West Virginia 😮
Yes same spinning ordeal
O my!~
Kansas
Yee haw
@@r3vpanda I like Kansas!
Watchin from the toilet
Nice!
@@FixingWithPassion 🤣great instructions brotha
Columbus
Nice!!
6 hours to remove the knuckle..... da fack! Damn that is a lot of rust.
Oklahoma
Hail Yea!! lol