Tool Loaning

Post by **IronMike** » 25 Feb 2017, 06:35

No, not the topic/debate of loaning tools to friends

- well, perhaps a little...

I'm about to tackle struts on my XC70 and figured I'd do the ball joints while there. The tool that makes this "easy" is $125 or so and as much as I LOVE new tools, this is probably a use it once deal. Does anyone own this tool and would like to make a little money for a weekend of use? Has anyone seen Auto Zone or others who have this particular ball joint tool https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 0-cta-4019

jbeebo · Post by **jbeebo** » 27 Feb 2017, 17:53

here's an FCP vid, starting at 5:10 shows R&R of the ball joint.

It can be done without the special tool. Will require some creative use of punches and/or pipes.

Post by **oragex** » 27 Feb 2017, 19:19

I'll try first finding plenty of posts about people who did this job. You'll find some saying easy job, others saying awful job. Plus plenty of tips. I tend to think it's not an easy job. Really careful not to stretch the axle and have it suspended.

While there I'd make sure first the bj is really loose/boot ripped. These ball joints are rather durable and don't give up like on a Honda for example. Replacement only on Lemoforder or Volvo

Post by **F250** » 01 Mar 2017, 07:08

You can rent the tool for $27 from europarts.com >>> https://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/75006/ ... -4019RENT/

I did this rental a couple months ago with no issues whatsoever with either the tool or rental process. I will say, though, that replacement Meile ball joints are an extremely tight fit, difficult to install, and I even buggered up one and had to replace the bent up brand new Meile joint it with a new Moog (the Volvo dealership had none in stock)... all this even while using the Volvo tool! Moog joints go in very nicely and easily. The Volvo tool is a definite help.

I've seen posts about people having a hard time tapping in the new joints into the hub with the unit off the car, but I didn't have any trouble with that. I also found out that the Volvo techs actually pop in the new joints without removing the wheel hub, but they can easily do that because they have the car on a lift at a high enough elevation to get decent and accurate hammer swings with the tool. In a garage, on jack stands, it would be difficult without removing the axle and wheel hub, and neither of those tasks is very difficult at all.

I'll also add that some folks say they had luck with just using the ball joint installation bolts with the technique of alternately tightening the bolts for the installation, and had success. Personally, I found that the base plate around the joint is not necessarily very stiff (can be bent easily), even though it looks thick enough to be very stiff, and I would NEVER use or recommend the bolt tightening technique as a reliable installation effort.

RENT the tool... it has a much better contact on the ball joint base plate and your chance of success is significantly improved.

Post by **vtl** » 01 Mar 2017, 16:44

Go to Home Depot, get some PVC pipe.

Post by **F250** » 02 Mar 2017, 08:38

vtl wrote:Go to Home Depot, get some PVC pipe.

I'm sure that you're going somewhere with that recommendation, but I'm just not sure exactly where. Are you suggesting "build your own tool" from PVC pipe? If so, the guide pin holders and guide pins are not part of that picture, and they are (in my opinion) a significant part of the tool's helpfulness.

Colomonza · Post by **Colomonza** » 27 Oct 2020, 14:43

Great thread, was looking to rent said tool for my daughter's 05 S80 to do a bad ball joint.

Sadly this shows no longer available at the link above. Searching the eeuroparts site shows no equivalent item. They do have great prices on the Lemforder ball joint however 8^). I"ll keep looking.

I saw a rental listed on the Swedespeed forum from a member but it is advertised for regular forum participants, and I'm not even on that one. I don't think I have time to become a regular before I really need the tool . . .

Thanks,
Rob

Post by **cn90** » 27 Oct 2020, 15:07

I posted info on using PVC Plumbing coupler ($2) at Home Depot.

Probably in XC90 forum. You can search for it.

Post by **abscate** » 27 Oct 2020, 17:03

Don't forget to return it for your money back afterwards

Post by **BlackBart** » 28 Oct 2020, 12:15

I used a short length of galvanized steel pipe that fits around the ball joint boot, plus a screw-on cap to pound on. It worked quite well, you just need to go gradually and keep things straight. The pipe end got pretty beat up, not sure how plastic could hold up to that.

I put the ball joint in the freezer overnight, and it tapped right in (with some effort).