Q:What is the easiest way to replace upper and lower balljoints?

A: Replacing upper and lower balljoints requires a special tool (the same as on the Flaminia; it look like a cork-screw but it works in the opposite direction). Without the tool it is easy to produce a lot of damage.

Often special tools are needed to avoid damage to the components. Even with professional balljoint separators it is not rare to damage their rubber gaiters. To reduce this risk I use a purpose-modelled thin lead sheet interposed between the jaws of the separator when tackling the steering joints. But for the suspension balljoints you really need the special tool because there is insufficient room to place a normal tool.

Above figure shows how to position balljoint extractor (804211)having moved upwards and fixed the transverse leafspring (if the original tool is not available use a good hydraulic jack and a strong piece of wood). The leaf spring can be blocked in a suitable position with purpose-made steel brackets.	Above figure shows the special extractor (8042104) to undo the bottom balljoint.

Above two figures show removal and refitting a balljoint if the car has fabricated wishbones (1st series and early 2nd series). Late cars had pressed steel wishbones in which balljoints are fixed by set-screws.

I emphasize that any work on suspensions involves items which can directly affect the safety of the car and its occupants: it would be very dangerous to do any work on suspensions unless you know what you are doing.

Secondly, it is quite common to discover that a car does not have the original suspension components (late cars are often fitted with better quality early suspensions) since expediency, attempts to improve handling and/or previous accidents resulted into fitting parts from other cars.

As a very brief summary, after removing the wheel and positioning the car on strong axle stands you want to:

1. undo the transverse spring from its rubber joint and fix it (see above),
    
2. undo the inner c.v. joint from the gearbox flange and remove the driveshaft from the hub (special tool is necessary for outer driveshaft ring nut),
    
3. remove brake caliper from disc and securely suspend it under the wheel arch,
    
4. disconnect the antiroll bar,
    
5. remove shock-absorber,
    
6. remove steering trackrod joints with suitable separator,
    
7. remove balljoints with appropriate balljoint separators.

The dismantling of all these components may be different depending on whether you want to replace one or both suspension balljoints and whether you want to change the wishbones and/or their bushes. After completing the job the car tracking must be reset with appropriate equipment at a tyre garage.

Fortunately, this fairly long job does not have to be done often. In my experience the main problem in this area comes from damaged rubber gaiters of the outer c.v. joints: I will explain another time how to change the outer gaiter (a remarkably quick job- about 0.5 hour- with the proper tools).

I am surprised to hear that both ball-joints need replacing. Any special reason?
- Andrea -

Q: Is the special tool a Lancia one or can it be bought in a good hardware shop?

A: Again this is a special Lancia tool although in principle one might adapt other tools or even make one. The British Lancia Motor Club has a tool hire service or I can send a photocopy of the tool.
- Andrea -