I've got to tell you Eric, because of watching your videos, my collection of Astro tools has grown considerably! When you consider the cost vs the quality and performance, Astro tools are impossible to beat!
New subscriber. It’s nice to see someone take the time to clean up rust, make sure bolts are moving through their whole range, not skimping on proper chemicals, etc. Nice work.
Out here in Riverside, California we rarely see those rusted out suspensions but we do see them every now and then. Sucks when that's mostly what you see most of the time. Keep up the good work.
Eric, I know I shouldn't be, considering you are a professional mechanic, but I am amazed at all the tools you have. Dayum, you've got something for everything. A DIYer's dream.
I'm an old timer mechanic //retired now. It was a pleasure watching and listening to you working away. I can see you really care to do a good job in all your TH-cams! I wish my boy was 1/2 as interested in turning a wrench as you show. I still gotta fix my own stuff. I can't trust all these part changes I see in the shops around here! My hats off to you. :} Keep it up bud!
Just bought an 05 Sport Trac today that needs passenger side ball joint replaced. I cracked the biggest smile when South Main Auto popped up for my TH-cam search. How damn lucky is that! You're the best man. I used to watch your videos last year.. and now I have some catching up to do! You helped me figure out the heater core on my old 96 Ram.
Great job showing us how it's done, lucky you have all the air tools to make a hard job done ASAP. I'm a retired Construction Mechanic in the Seabees with those specialized tools to repair our equipments, but now just normal DIY type mechanic to fix my own vehicles. I do own a 2001 sport trac explorer and what you showed me was very helpful, but i just let mechanic like you do the job when the time come to replace my ball joints. Thanks again for the simple explanation for a job well done. God bless
I think Eric O. Is one of the most honest mechanics on the tube.He shows problems every mechanic has faced!!Rather than trying to make himself look good.
Shoot, watching quality tools in use makes me smile. I purchased the press kit and did one small job so far and as you say, for the money it's a good quality. I've been real happy with Grey Pneumatic's stuff too. Great video as usual Eric. I'll be out of the country for three weeks so I'm looking forward to many notifications that I have videos to watch when I get back!
I'm impressed by the Astro air tools not only their power but it appears longevity. Impressive power for the mini but that's the difference between an air ratchet and an air impact ratchet. I added the Moog bulletins to my repertoire...may come in handy. The best tool review is from the field where we put tools thru their paces on a daily basis so the jury is still out on "Big Nasty" but it looks like that may be another investment soon! If it'll last in your shop it'll last in mine.
why are people Puting thumbs down?? Eric is going out his way to show us and explain everything to us..he's using his time doing the vids for us and I bet he's a very busy guy..and there a few nobs puting thumbs down..???
I have a ball joint kit just like the one you have and used it for years. The owner of the shop I work at just bought the Snap-On ball joint kit. It’s expensive I think about $600 but worth it if you do a lot of ball joints. I haven’t even taken mine out since he bought the new one. It’s heavy duty and the cups all snap into the press with lock rings. It doesn’t matter the size or how long the ball joints have been in I’ve never seen it struggle to push any out. It has saved us a lot of time. Time is money
It's nice to see some who really ENJOYS their job ! New meaning to the term "Time to get NASTY with it !" I like the "fly by" summary, but I think you are going to need a camera mounted light.
Well, here it is April 2020 and I watched this video for the first time. Didn't know this was the famous "Big Nasty's" first appearance. He's come a long way since this video, and in the 4 yrs. since, I believe he only failed you one time. That's a pretty good record I must say.... You are like a kid at Christmas time when he got his favorite toy... Thanks Eric!
I really appreciate the real world tool reviews! on ur recommendations iv purchased the astro 7865, 1828, and the 1128 and could be happier with them! big nasty is next in my amazon wishlist. keep up the great work!
Hey Eric, with covid-19 happening, I'm catching up on your older videos. You'd think that once you've seen a ball joint change that you wouldn't be interested in any others, but that is not the case. Always something new to see. Nice work, as usual. Stay Safe!
Eric, these videos make me smile. The sheer efficiency and witty humor are a fantastic combination. Looking forward to more "BIG NASTY" action...she's just getting broken in! Also a lot of Astro tools are probably going to be on backorder after this video lol
I suppose they make them rubber ball joint covers out of plastic now days because plastic is cheaper than rubber. I know this from my own experience that's why I have 3 children because I couldn't afford rubber lol lol great video as usual
You are by far the most legit individual on TH-cam good sir. I respect a guy that handles his business.. you even have shirts; not a lot of people who run there own business even have that. Kudo
Eric Im learning a lot from your videos only been watching a couple days in my off time, watching and listening to you is almost like hands on experience for me. I ordered a power probe thanks to you and your videos using it... I think Im gonna use it alot with my hilux 4x4 when I work on the stereo and lighting systems here soon. I have a dual battery setup that I wanna take a step further and add a 3rd battery, a deep cycle solely for using the winch and a air compressor i think. Thanks buddy for all the information you give us!
one of the reasons I watch your vids is to check out the tools before I spend a ton on the trucks. lol. it's great to see them in action before buying.
+South Main Auto Repair picked up the airpro 3530. been using it at the shop for about a month now and works great. going to look into the new air ratchet you been using. looks like it gets shit done.
Great video Eric. Thanks for keeping me entertained during lunch while I'm training technicians. I shared what I learn by watching you and Ivan, even though we are in different industries. Almost done with my assignment. See ya soon pal.
Another block buster vid Eric. That ingersol Rand hammerhead on your site is 50% less than Amazon Canada Wow. The big nasty's not listed up here at all. 👍👍
Just a tip for the future: as I work on my own "Eurotrash" Audi (s), I always try to save a part, if you can, when disassembling (egr tube in your case); as you never know when a part may not be available! Now your really in a jam as you need to tell the customer it may be one day or several..... all because you cut off / destroyed a stubborn part. You have "fire", perhaps you could have warmed up the tube and with a bit of patience removed it , you never know until you try, and then if you feel it needs replacing, get the car back at a later date ; but at least it went out on time and all intact. (you have choices). I remember your head machining video also......(poor machining went undetected). A little anticipation goes a long way! Thanks for the vids!!!
Thank you for showing your tools. I've got a chubby now. I spent 16 hours changing my control arms on my 2009 Camry on Saturday. Used my relatively new DeWalt 20V cordless impact wrenches (3/8" and 1/2"), LED light and grinder (cut-off tool). It was going smoothly when I got to the second (passenger side) control arm, I was unable to break the castle nut on the ball joint. Ended up having to cut it off. Figures. No room to use the breaker bar (1/2" drive) or my impact wrenches. My breaker pipe was not big enough for the boxed end wrench. So cut off was necessary. Did not have a powered ratchet. Not sure if that would have broke that nut. Anyways, still felt empowered to do it myself. Sure wish that nut would have broken free. It was my first time doing this. I had to remove the engine mounts to access the mounting bolts for the control arms. That's what made it the bitch of a project that it was. First time doing that as well. Love your channel!
Great vid. Watching you pull that special adjuster bolt reminded me of the big triple square front hub bolts on my 2011 VW Jetta that spent a year in NY. Had to change the bearings. Figured an easy job. Two of them stick out 1/2" or so on the back side. I sprayed them down first but they wouldn't come out all the way. Wouldn't go back in either. Eventually I had to grind them off. I got smart on the other side and the die grinder with a wire brush on the ends of the threads on the back side before removing and they slid right out.
I love the sound of money for you- so well earned! You've taken the time to educate us and the shop has that great aforementioned "money sound" - the background sound of the shop phone and the dueling air tools ! This means more vids for us, Yeah us! ps. Rum and diet coke out of nose with the matter of fact- " now we gotta do is weld the new one in"
Well....looked at the price of your air hammer and decided to go with my buddies recommendation. Bought the Ingersoll Rand 122 maxk.... This thing is awesome. Knocks ball joints out in about 4 seconds on my 3/4 ton chevy truck. Highly recommend.
Great video!! Well you made quick work out of that one. As soon as it gets warm. I have to do a complete front end including both CV axles on old rusty (1999 Ford F150 4X4). I'm afraid the the parts are worth more than the vehicle.
I actually managed a work around for the BJ press, I take the cheap $20 floorjacks, a big deep inpact socket that fits, or a piece of pipe, and essentially push up with the jack, pipe and joint and take a hammer and administer small vibrations to the LCA, and generally it'll go in, with no dangerous hitting on the joint or area around the joint's hole. Bear in mind though I'm working on southern vehicles.
Haha 1 year newer than my truck. I have changed the balljoint a few times now and its 3 whacks out, 3 whacks in with a hammer, gotta love stamped control arms
I usually unbolt the tie rod end. Just noticed you struggled with it a bit there, Your right, that Moog upper boot looks like it's from Harbor Freight.
Torque to spec...... Yep I spec that's about right. Your English bub makes the click click noise when torquing. When I heard that drip drip drip of the Ford up on the rack then saw all the nice rust it brought back memories. (I am from N. Syracuse originally) It doesn't take long to rust a cars underside pretty well. Makes it more of a challenge for a mechanic. My first car was a 1969 Olds Cutlass my parents bought new in 1970 when I was 5 so I can tell you wrenching on that was a whole big basket of joy. I feel for mechanics when stuff breaks and customers act like well you must of done something wrong. LoL naw couldn't be the salt they use on the roads all winter enough to make another lake in Utah every year. Anyhow I just have found your stuff and am enjoying the vids a bunch.
Big Nasty is actually a 5X rivet gun designed for use in aerospace. There are also 7X and 9X which have longer barrels. The main difference between a rivet gun and a muffler removal gun is that rivet guns are supposed to have a fine tease trigger to slowly go from tap...tap...tap...to faster and faster. This helps the riveter stay controllable and on the head of the rivet you are bucking. The internals are completely different as well. Chicago Pneumatic were the early makers, but now, most if not all are made in China, bringing the price down to an affordable level. I have a 3X on the side of my work bench to help drive out pins, or whatever needs hitting. It's like having a one-handed hammer and punch setup.
Eric, I highly recommend the SNAPON BJP-1 Ball Joint Press Kit. I have had mine for about 10 years and it saves so much time. The cups snap into the press tool so you don't need 10 hands holding everything in place...lol
Fell off of my chair laughing at 8:43. "...now all we gotta do is weld the new one in..." Have to do some front suspension work on the Jeep to address some noises. This was a good primer. Thumbs up.
Have to crawl under it this weekend and see. 2005 Grand Cherokee with 78,000 original miles. May be the stabilizer bar bushings or stabilizer bar links or ball joints, or maybe even the CV axle. Have the sound one time only on slow turns only front and rear so I am thinking SB links.
Great point about tool review videos. Way too many "reviews" are just unboxing videos. The tools are brand new, never been used, and only tested for a few minutes.
South Main Auto Repair I do like some of Real Tool Reviews since he seems knowledgeable and does scientific tests, like his stubby impact torque comparison video. But he doesn't try to wear them out and see which one lasts, which would be good to know.
brian0918 - Watch AvE’s channel then; he takes them apart to show you the good parts, the crap parts, and the so-so parts. Just look for his videos that start with “BOLTR” - mostly power tools, but occasionally the odd hydraulic thingamajig. Also, check out the “Project Farm” channel; this guy reviews mostly “soft” tools; fuel/oil additives, glues and adhesives, duct tape, etc... and he always seems to have a positive attitude even when the testing doesn’t turn out quite right, or the results surprise him. 🤗
Now i understand why you prefer those sway bar links over the ones you installed on that taurus you did on another video,i have a taurus with a broken rear link and wasn't sure which way they went in,thx to this video i now know ,the fixed nut is on the bottom,and the lock nut on the top,lol,helped me out again.
Moog makes very good products. I had a 1998 Dodge Durango with frequent upper and especially lower ball joint failure. When I had the Moogs installed (lifetime warranty) I had no more problems.
Man, some tools just don't work well with air... The $17 plug-in electric cutoff wheel from Horror Fright I got three years ago still outperforms every air cutoff wheel I've ever used. That was an unusually easy job for an SMA video! I guess the Super Soaker Dodge made up for it, eh? Hope your shop is alright!
I think Ford's idea was the ability to correct steering pull quickly by adjusting cross caster. That way cars could go in and out of the alignment rack quickly, but the dealer could charge full price for an alignment. It would eliminate the need to remove the upper eccentric knockouts and go through the trouble of adjusting both eccentrics. On the 2004-up Ford Explorer, Ford put an adjuster on the RF lower control arm, but alignment was mainly done by slots in the upper control arm mount. The concept is very similar. 14:05 I didn't realize it would be needed since a snap ring held the ball joint in place. I would understand the need for oversize ball joints where interference fit is the only way the ball joint is retained.
Great work. I have a couple Astro tools. Been pretty good to me. Outstanding attitude for a tech. Just curious about the pissing Caravan. Was it the plastic trash in the heater hoses? I've replaced a bunch of them.
Yep those new moog ball joints had me going when I first got them for the jeep and yes I called when I unboxed them because they looked like something was missing in fact it was fine it was just built differently than they where. But once I got them mounted and fully installed they were awesome
Eric take a 1/4 rod and length is predetermined on what you like. The on one end put a slot in it about the length of 1 inch with a hacksaw or saw. that way you can take some 1 inch emery grit is what you like to clean out or deburr any suff thats in there instead of that steel cone you used.
I've watched many many of your videos, the one before this you used big nasty and I was like man wish he would specify the tool numbers, next video in playlist here we are 😂🙌🏼
At first I was thinking "is there a roof leak and it's raining inside" then I was like "oh yeah, I grew up in the Midwest, that's probably snow melting off of the car" duh, I've lived in Hawaii for too long now. I seem to forget why I moved here, oh wait no I didn't, cause it doesn't snow here, lol. On a serious note, thanks for the video, I'm a plumber, but trying to learn more about car repair and breaking things down.
These new style ball joints are used on Mercedes sprinter. I don’t know about other makes and models, but they don’t last on Mercedes. Many times they won’t take grease right out of the box. I’ve had to chuck them up in the vice to hold the grease needle as hard as I can to get grease in them. They still fail or start squeaking in less than 3mo.
I agree that tool reviews should not be done right away, and it drives me nuts when I see reviews that say stuff like "I just opened the box and it looks great". Its also funny to watch tool reviews where it is obvious that the guy just opened the box and don't even know how to use the thing. Chris
If the weld the ball joint quip was funny, the "Subaru bay" quip hits closer to home. My wife drives a WRX and that thing is like raising a problem child. I also have a Subaru bay at my house that sees plenty of wrench bending.
You should've tried a comparison, old then new. Know what I mean jellybean? You'll get a lot more life out of the ball joint tool by lubing the threads lightly before use. After all a slippery tool is _always_ a happy tool. That break clean intro. gets me _every_ time! That boot isn't gonna last very long I'd bet nor the link bushings. Man, the crap parts that are getting pushed these days just blows my mind. Thanks for another great vid.
New subscriber. I really like your style and the video.I'm going to attempt this on my son's 96 Explorer.I'm 70 so I'm a little hesitant but we'll see how it goes. Thanks
I have a possible tip for installing those ball joint boots. I use an adapter out of the ball joint press kit that fits around the rim of the boot and then tap it on.
I used to use cheap sockets for the adapters. Works fine. HOWEVER,I think that you are using a .40i shank tool. Look at a ,499" tool. Weighs 7 pounds and will KILL any ball joint. Screw that ball joint press! They ain't cheap,but a real time saver.
Same thing happened to our 2010 caravan. Factory replacement with one. Then it failed again. Went with brass the next time. 80000 miles later no problems.
And thats why i still watch you. Your a real dude . No 15 takes and 20 camera angles. Just you working on stuff showing how its done.
I've got to tell you Eric, because of watching your videos, my collection of Astro tools has grown considerably! When you consider the cost vs the quality and performance, Astro tools are impossible to beat!
New subscriber. It’s nice to see someone take the time to clean up rust, make sure bolts are moving through their whole range, not skimping on proper chemicals, etc. Nice work.
Out here in Riverside, California we rarely see those rusted out suspensions but we do see them every now and then. Sucks when that's mostly what you see most of the time. Keep up the good work.
Eric, I know I shouldn't be, considering you are a professional mechanic, but I am amazed at all the tools you have. Dayum, you've got something for everything. A DIYer's dream.
I'm an old timer mechanic //retired now. It was a pleasure watching and listening to you working away. I can see you really care to do a good job in all your TH-cams!
I wish my boy was 1/2 as interested in turning a wrench as you show. I still gotta fix my own stuff. I can't trust all these part changes I see in the shops around here!
My hats off to you. :} Keep it up bud!
Just bought an 05 Sport Trac today that needs passenger side ball joint replaced. I cracked the biggest smile when South Main Auto popped up for my TH-cam search. How damn lucky is that! You're the best man. I used to watch your videos last year.. and now I have some catching up to do! You helped me figure out the heater core on my old 96 Ram.
I laughed out loud when you took a shot at ETCG for welding that ball joint. Unforgivable... Thanks for another great video!
InstaBlaster.
Great job showing us how it's done, lucky you have all the air tools to make a hard job done ASAP. I'm a retired Construction Mechanic in the Seabees with those specialized tools to repair our equipments, but now just normal DIY type mechanic to fix my own vehicles. I do own a 2001 sport trac explorer and what you showed me was very helpful, but i just let mechanic like you do the job when the time come to replace my ball joints. Thanks again for the simple explanation for a job well done. God bless
I think Eric O. Is one of the most honest mechanics on the tube.He shows problems every mechanic has faced!!Rather than trying to make himself look good.
I haven’t used many Astro tools but the ones I do have work very well. Astro makes a magnet light that I absolutely love!
Shoot, watching quality tools in use makes me smile. I purchased the press kit and did one small job so far and as you say, for the money it's a good quality. I've been real happy with Grey Pneumatic's stuff too. Great video as usual Eric. I'll be out of the country for three weeks so I'm looking forward to many notifications that I have videos to watch when I get back!
+wyattoneable Have a safe trip!
you crack me up man... it takes serious talent to be entertaining while fixing crusty ball joints.. keep up the good work, screw the haters.
I'm impressed by the Astro air tools not only their power but it appears longevity. Impressive power for the mini but that's the difference between an air ratchet and an air impact ratchet. I added the Moog bulletins to my repertoire...may come in handy. The best tool review is from the field where we put tools thru their paces on a daily basis so the jury is still out on "Big Nasty" but it looks like that may be another investment soon! If it'll last in your shop it'll last in mine.
+Robert Hayward Oh trust me I will put it through the ringer :) Time will be the judge if it is good or not...
why are people Puting thumbs down?? Eric is going out his way to show us and explain everything to us..he's using his time doing the vids for us and I bet he's a very busy guy..and there a few nobs puting thumbs down..???
+John Easton No biggy I get them on every vid... 5 or 7 ish
I have a ball joint kit just like the one you have and used it for years. The owner of the shop I work at just bought the Snap-On ball joint kit. It’s expensive I think about $600 but worth it if you do a lot of ball joints. I haven’t even taken mine out since he bought the new one. It’s heavy duty and the cups all snap into the press with lock rings. It doesn’t matter the size or how long the ball joints have been in I’ve never seen it struggle to push any out. It has saved us a lot of time. Time is money
It's nice to see some who really ENJOYS their job !
New meaning to the term "Time to get NASTY with it !"
I like the "fly by" summary, but I think you are going to need a camera mounted light.
Well, here it is April 2020 and I watched this video for the first time. Didn't know this was the famous "Big Nasty's" first appearance. He's come a long way since this video, and in the 4 yrs. since, I believe he only failed you one time. That's a pretty good record I must say.... You are like a kid at Christmas time when he got his favorite toy... Thanks Eric!
its always nice to see how new brands hold up
Ha, I'm rewatching these old videos. Glad to see Big Nasty still putting in work in 2019
I really appreciate the real world tool reviews! on ur recommendations iv purchased the astro 7865, 1828, and the 1128 and could be happier with them! big nasty is next in my amazon wishlist. keep up the great work!
I think you will like tomorrows vid then :D
South Main Auto Repair i always look forward to when u put out new video's
Hey Eric, with covid-19 happening, I'm catching up on your older videos. You'd think that once you've seen a ball joint change that you wouldn't be interested in any others, but that is not the case. Always something new to see. Nice work, as usual. Stay Safe!
Eric, these videos make me smile. The sheer efficiency and witty humor are a fantastic combination. Looking forward to more "BIG NASTY" action...she's just getting broken in!
Also a lot of Astro tools are probably going to be on backorder after this video lol
+motoYam82 Yeahhh I see the air hammer is now listed as "unavailable" on Amazon. Hey if we can't have fun doing it why do it right?
+motoYam82 Whats up ivan?
eddie martinez
Yo EDDIE!
Ivan when is your next video going up? Love the dodge truck vid.
Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics 🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕
I suppose they make them rubber ball joint covers out of plastic now days because plastic is cheaper than rubber. I know this from my own experience that's why I have 3 children because I couldn't afford rubber lol lol great video as usual
+shaun pi yeah and plastic in that case just doesn't work lol
Cars fear the "bay of shame" no doubt. Great video as always and I added "this ain't rocket surgery" to my arsenal too.
+Gerald Hinson Haha cool!
You are by far the most legit individual on TH-cam good sir. I respect a guy that handles his business.. you even have shirts; not a lot of people who run there own business even have that. Kudo
Lol this video was just in my recommendation! All these years later, somewhat of a TH-cam legend 😎
Eric Im learning a lot from your videos only been watching a couple days in my off time, watching and listening to you is almost like hands on experience for me. I ordered a power probe thanks to you and your videos using it... I think Im gonna use it alot with my hilux 4x4 when I work on the stereo and lighting systems here soon. I have a dual battery setup that I wanna take a step further and add a 3rd battery, a deep cycle solely for using the winch and a air compressor i think. Thanks buddy for all the information you give us!
one of the reasons I watch your vids is to check out the tools before I spend a ton on the trucks. lol. it's great to see them in action before buying.
+traynj21 Heck yeah save tons over the tool trucks!
+South Main Auto Repair picked up the airpro 3530. been using it at the shop for about a month now and works great. going to look into the new air ratchet you been using. looks like it gets shit done.
astore.amazon.com/httpswwwy0837-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=2
Great video. Gotta love Big Nasty. Thanks for showing the difference between old and new style of replacement ball joints.
Great video Eric. Thanks for keeping me entertained during lunch while I'm training technicians. I shared what I learn by watching you and Ivan, even though we are in different industries. Almost done with my assignment. See ya soon pal.
+Randy Gudeahn (ProTech) Stop in when ya get back!
The best video I have seen on doing this type of work. Thank you for taking the time to show us how it is done
Another block buster vid Eric. That ingersol Rand hammerhead on your site is 50% less than Amazon Canada Wow. The big nasty's not listed up here at all. 👍👍
+Steve Rob Sounds like when u come to the USA U will need to bring a pocket full of green backs!
Just a tip for the future: as I work on my own "Eurotrash" Audi (s), I always try to save a part, if you can, when disassembling (egr tube in your case); as you never know when a part may not be available! Now your really in a jam as you need to tell the customer it may be one day or several..... all because you cut off / destroyed a stubborn part.
You have "fire", perhaps you could have warmed up the tube and with a bit of patience removed it , you never know until you try, and then if you feel it needs replacing, get the car back at a later date ; but at least it went out on time and all intact. (you have choices).
I remember your head machining video also......(poor machining went undetected).
A little anticipation goes a long way! Thanks for the vids!!!
The big nasty reminds me of the air gun Antone used in the movie No country for old men! Great tool ad vid!
vids just getting better and better. keep em coming Eric O..
Thank you for showing your tools. I've got a chubby now. I spent 16 hours changing my control arms on my 2009 Camry on Saturday. Used my relatively new DeWalt 20V cordless impact wrenches (3/8" and 1/2"), LED light and grinder (cut-off tool). It was going smoothly when I got to the second (passenger side) control arm, I was unable to break the castle nut on the ball joint. Ended up having to cut it off. Figures. No room to use the breaker bar (1/2" drive) or my impact wrenches. My breaker pipe was not big enough for the boxed end wrench. So cut off was necessary. Did not have a powered ratchet. Not sure if that would have broke that nut. Anyways, still felt empowered to do it myself. Sure wish that nut would have broken free. It was my first time doing this. I had to remove the engine mounts to access the mounting bolts for the control arms. That's what made it the bitch of a project that it was. First time doing that as well. Love your channel!
Luvin the addition of "Big Nasty" to your surgeons repertoire Eric O. Great vid as usual bud, keep them coming.
Oh, man you were on point with the one-liners it this one. Haha! "Big time constraint." Love it.
Great vid. Watching you pull that special adjuster bolt reminded me of the big triple square front hub bolts on my 2011 VW Jetta that spent a year in NY. Had to change the bearings. Figured an easy job. Two of them stick out 1/2" or so on the back side. I sprayed them down first but they wouldn't come out all the way. Wouldn't go back in either. Eventually I had to grind them off. I got smart on the other side and the die grinder with a wire brush on the ends of the threads on the back side before removing and they slid right out.
you seem like a very honest mechanic wish you lived around here in Illinois
you, scanner danner and Matt are my 3 favorite channels, very professionals and learning friendly, thanks keep the good information comming.
thank you very much.
That welded ball joint crack at the other Eric was great. I laughed heartily.
I love the sound of money for you- so well earned! You've taken the time to educate us and the shop has that great aforementioned "money sound" - the background sound of the shop phone and the dueling air tools ! This means more vids for us, Yeah us! ps. Rum and diet coke out of nose with the matter of fact- " now we gotta do is weld the new one in"
+D Really Haha sorry about the Captain out the nose :)
Well....looked at the price of your air hammer and decided to go with my buddies recommendation. Bought the Ingersoll Rand 122 maxk.... This thing is awesome. Knocks ball joints out in about 4 seconds on my 3/4 ton chevy truck. Highly recommend.
Great video!!
Well you made quick work out of that one. As soon as it gets warm. I have to do a complete front end including both CV axles on old rusty (1999 Ford F150 4X4). I'm afraid the the parts are worth more than the vehicle.
Great job Eric. The Astro air tools seem to be top of the line quality.
I actually managed a work around for the BJ press, I take the cheap $20 floorjacks, a big deep inpact socket that fits, or a piece of pipe, and essentially push up with the jack, pipe and joint and take a hammer and administer small vibrations to the LCA, and generally it'll go in, with no dangerous hitting on the joint or area around the joint's hole. Bear in mind though I'm working on southern vehicles.
Haha 1 year newer than my truck. I have changed the balljoint a few times now and its 3 whacks out, 3 whacks in with a hammer, gotta love stamped control arms
I absolutely love my Astro tools..... used em since the late 80s!
I have that same press kit. Really nice, but no way did my ball joints come out that easy. I would have liked to see Big Nasty at work.
I usually unbolt the tie rod end. Just noticed you struggled with it a bit there, Your right, that Moog upper boot looks like it's from Harbor Freight.
It seems that most, if not all, of the Astro tools work very well. I purchased a tire inflation tool and it works great.
+Pete Miller I was eyeing up there digital inflator myself...
Torque to spec...... Yep I spec that's about right. Your English bub makes the click click noise when torquing. When I heard that drip drip drip of the Ford up on the rack then saw all the nice rust it brought back memories. (I am from N. Syracuse originally)
It doesn't take long to rust a cars underside pretty well.
Makes it more of a challenge for a mechanic. My first car was a 1969 Olds Cutlass my parents bought new in 1970 when I was 5 so I can tell you wrenching on that was a whole big basket of joy. I feel for mechanics when stuff breaks and customers act like well you must of done something wrong. LoL naw couldn't be the salt they use on the roads all winter enough to make another lake in Utah every year. Anyhow I just have found your stuff and am enjoying the vids a bunch.
Nice to see a repair done the right way..keep up the great vids.
+Cher T Thanks!
I did sway bar links on an exploder once, didn't have a cut off wheel so I used vise grips and a ratchet to twist it in two.
Big Nasty is actually a 5X rivet gun designed for use in aerospace. There are also 7X and 9X which have longer barrels. The main difference between a rivet gun and a muffler removal gun is that rivet guns are supposed to have a fine tease trigger to slowly go from tap...tap...tap...to faster and faster. This helps the riveter stay controllable and on the head of the rivet you are bucking. The internals are completely different as well. Chicago Pneumatic were the early makers, but now, most if not all are made in China, bringing the price down to an affordable level. I have a 3X on the side of my work bench to help drive out pins, or whatever needs hitting. It's like having a one-handed hammer and punch setup.
Eric, I highly recommend the SNAPON BJP-1 Ball Joint Press Kit. I have had mine for about 10 years and it saves so much time. The cups snap into the press tool so you don't need 10 hands holding everything in place...lol
Ive used them on several occasions and haven't had any issues so far..good product
'Weld it in', you've been watching that other channel to much!!
Love your small 3/8 air gun so powerful.
Small and easy use. Lightweight.
Fell off of my chair laughing at 8:43. "...now all we gotta do is weld the new one in..." Have to do some front suspension work on the Jeep to address some noises. This was a good primer. Thumbs up.
+Sandbag1300 Tracking bar?
Have to crawl under it this weekend and see. 2005 Grand Cherokee with 78,000 original miles. May be the stabilizer bar bushings or stabilizer bar links or ball joints, or maybe even the CV axle. Have the sound one time only on slow turns only front and rear so I am thinking SB links.
1 Saw some of your video's but this is the 1st time I watched a whole video!! Good Info!!! Thank You! Just became a full time Fan !!!!
Thanks!
Great point about tool review videos. Way too many "reviews" are just unboxing videos. The tools are brand new, never been used, and only tested for a few minutes.
+brian0918 I'll beat the heck out of it and then we will review it :)
South Main Auto Repair I do like some of Real Tool Reviews since he seems knowledgeable and does scientific tests, like his stubby impact torque comparison video. But he doesn't try to wear them out and see which one lasts, which would be good to know.
brian0918 - Watch AvE’s channel then; he takes them apart to show you the good parts, the crap parts, and the so-so parts. Just look for his videos that start with “BOLTR” - mostly power tools, but occasionally the odd hydraulic thingamajig. Also, check out the “Project Farm” channel; this guy reviews mostly “soft” tools; fuel/oil additives, glues and adhesives, duct tape, etc... and he always seems to have a positive attitude even when the testing doesn’t turn out quite right, or the results surprise him. 🤗
Nothing makes a man more happy then proper tools!
+Kvickstick -- The proper quantity of proper tools makes me wet!! ;) Drooling Wet - get your mind off the kitchen table ;)
Now i understand why you prefer those sway bar links over the ones you installed on that taurus you did on another video,i have a taurus with a broken rear link and wasn't sure which way they went in,thx to this video i now know ,the fixed nut is on the bottom,and the lock nut on the top,lol,helped me out again.
Anything an honest mechanic wiring and codes God bless you and your family
The man with all the air tool .
Moog makes very good products. I had a 1998 Dodge Durango with frequent upper and especially lower ball joint failure. When I had the Moogs installed (lifetime warranty) I had no more problems.
Brake clean to clean brakes. Never thought I would see the day.
+WRX Mike I know... doesn't seem right does it...
South Main Auto Repair LLC is that what you’re referring to as fluid film?
Sept 2020 ..... watching your videos for days since discovering them ...... I'll be a qualified mechanic before christmas
Big Nasty is so cool! Does the job great! Great Video.
I just did ball joints in a trailblazer with the Astro ball joint press.the upper ones. went so smooth.and fast
+anthony v Yeah it is a good kit!
I got some moog ball joints with that same boot earlier in the week. Sent that crap back and got motorcraft and went on with my day.
Cue the music. Then enters slow motion Big Nasty. Perfect!
Well alrighty then! Looks like those parts saw BIG NASTY coming, and just fell out on their own!!
I used a .499 Ingersol. Ear protection is REQUIRED.
Man, some tools just don't work well with air... The $17 plug-in electric cutoff wheel from Horror Fright I got three years ago still outperforms every air cutoff wheel I've ever used.
That was an unusually easy job for an SMA video! I guess the Super Soaker Dodge made up for it, eh? Hope your shop is alright!
+rhkips Oh yeah this was gravy but man that Dodge made a mess! Grrrr....
Really don't miss working on those vehicles dripping ice cold water down your neck.Fun &Games!
I think Ford's idea was the ability to correct steering pull quickly by adjusting cross caster. That way cars could go in and out of the alignment rack quickly, but the dealer could charge full price for an alignment. It would eliminate the need to remove the upper eccentric knockouts and go through the trouble of adjusting both eccentrics. On the 2004-up Ford Explorer, Ford put an adjuster on the RF lower control arm, but alignment was mainly done by slots in the upper control arm mount. The concept is very similar.
14:05 I didn't realize it would be needed since a snap ring held the ball joint in place. I would understand the need for oversize ball joints where interference fit is the only way the ball joint is retained.
'weld the new one in'
I laughed too much at that.
Gave me quite the chuckle.
+Kirby Weldon I lol'd pretty good.
+Kirby Weldon Making fun of ETCG....ha
+Kirby Weldon The meta in the youtube auto community is nasty
Great video Eric - your presentation skills are awesome!
+1954BJohn Thanks sir
A trick I have used in the past to put the rubber boots on is find a ball joint press sleeve that fits on the boot and then gently drive it on
Great work. I have a couple Astro tools. Been pretty good to me. Outstanding attitude for a tech. Just curious about the pissing Caravan. Was it the plastic trash in the heater hoses? I've replaced a bunch of them.
I highly recommend the SNAPON BJP-1 Ball joint Tool. Pricey but man is it a time saver.
Yep those new moog ball joints had me going when I first got them for the jeep and yes I called when I unboxed them because they looked like something was missing in fact it was fine it was just built differently than they where. But once I got them mounted and fully installed they were awesome
"oh I probably won't watch this whole video" *45 minutes later, video over* "WHAT, THAT WAS IT?!?! I demand more" great video, love the channel
Eric take a 1/4 rod and length is predetermined on what you like. The on one end put a slot in it about the length of 1 inch with a hacksaw or saw. that way you can take some 1 inch emery grit is what you like to clean out or deburr any suff thats in there instead of that steel cone you used.
I've watched many many of your videos, the one before this you used big nasty and I was like man wish he would specify the tool numbers, next video in playlist here we are 😂🙌🏼
Great video, good audio and you have a casual discussion style. Nice work!
Absolutely great video its never a dull moment at SMA.
At first I was thinking "is there a roof leak and it's raining inside" then I was like "oh yeah, I grew up in the Midwest, that's probably snow melting off of the car" duh, I've lived in Hawaii for too long now. I seem to forget why I moved here, oh wait no I didn't, cause it doesn't snow here, lol. On a serious note, thanks for the video, I'm a plumber, but trying to learn more about car repair and breaking things down.
These new style ball joints are used on Mercedes sprinter. I don’t know about other makes and models, but they don’t last on Mercedes. Many times they won’t take grease right out of the box. I’ve had to chuck them up in the vice to hold the grease needle as hard as I can to get grease in them. They still fail or start squeaking in less than 3mo.
I agree that tool reviews should not be done right away, and it drives me nuts when I see reviews that say stuff like "I just opened the box and it looks great". Its also funny to watch tool reviews where it is obvious that the guy just opened the box and don't even know how to use the thing. Chris
Great video ! I own 2 Astro tools the 1/2 Nana and the 4" cutoff tool both are great tools.
If the weld the ball joint quip was funny, the "Subaru bay" quip hits closer to home. My wife drives a WRX and that thing is like raising a problem child. I also have a Subaru bay at my house that sees plenty of wrench bending.
+Lorrin Barth The Subaru Bay - AKA "Death Row"
You should've tried a comparison, old then new. Know what I mean jellybean? You'll get a lot more life out of the ball joint tool by lubing the threads lightly before use. After all a slippery tool is _always_ a happy tool. That break clean intro. gets me _every_ time! That boot isn't gonna last very long I'd bet nor the link bushings. Man, the crap parts that are getting pushed these days just blows my mind. Thanks for another great vid.
Nice nasty! My wife asked what was wrong when I spat my coffee out at 'weld a new one in' nice!
+Toyota Tech Hahaha
New subscriber. I really like your style and the video.I'm going to attempt this on my son's 96 Explorer.I'm 70 so I'm a little hesitant but we'll see how it goes. Thanks
I have a possible tip for installing those ball joint boots. I use an adapter out of the ball joint press kit that fits around the rim of the boot and then tap it on.
+Discretesignals I have done the same thing and it is a 50/50 if you tear the edge or not...
I used to use cheap sockets for the adapters. Works fine. HOWEVER,I think that you are using a .40i shank tool.
Look at a ,499" tool. Weighs 7 pounds and will KILL any ball joint. Screw that ball joint press!
They ain't cheap,but a real time saver.
Same thing happened to our 2010 caravan. Factory replacement with one. Then it failed again. Went with brass the next time. 80000 miles later no problems.