A ball joint is a car suspension element, the purpose of which is to connect the main arm and the hub without interfering with the movement of the wheels. Over time, it wears out, which is indicated by a characteristic knocking sound, increased tire wear, and a serious deterioration in handling. In this case, it is necessary to check the ball joints and, if they operate abnormally, replace them.
In the standard version, you have to change the ball joint of Renault Logan, Logan 2 and other models of this family - Sandero, Sandero 2, Lada Largus together with the lever. But there is a way to replace the ball joint directly, leaving the old lever, which will be much cheaper.
What is a ball joint
The element is a hinge that connects the wheel hub with the levers.
Comprises:
- monolithic steel pin: on one side there is a conical part and thread, on the other there is a spherical part;
- rubber boot - prevents dirt from getting inside the ball joint housing;
- a metal body that holds the finger sphere;
- bushings made of polymer materials - softens the friction forces between the finger and the body;
- press nut with rolling - presses the main elements to the body.
There is one ball joint installed on each side of the Renault Logan front suspension. It’s easier to see them by lifting the car on a lift or driving it into a viewing hole.
If the ball joint is not replaced in time, problems will arise with the car's handling and increased wear of other suspension elements, as well as tires. It will be impossible to do a wheel alignment. If during this procedure the service technician points out problems, then the ball joints will probably have to be replaced.
Removing the old one
While working, you cannot do without the following tools:
- hammer;
- two open-end wrenches for 16 and 18;
- socket wrench 30;
- chisels;
- key to 13;
- mandrels for depressing;
- flat screwdriver.
Replacement is carried out with the Renault Sandero suspension arm completely removed. In addition, for ease of installation, the caliper is also removed, which requires turning the wheel and unscrewing 2 bolts (during the first replacement, they can be very difficult to unscrew due to seating on the paint). Now follows:
- Separate the pads using a screwdriver;
- Remove the caliper (to protect the part, it is advisable to immediately hang it on a wire hook);
- After lubricating the threaded part, unscrew the bolt that secures the support. If this does not work, you can try to knock out the fasteners using a chisel;
- Pour lubricant into the resulting hole and hammer in a small wedge;
- Pull the ball out of your fist.
After removing the part from the fist, it becomes possible to unpress it, the features of which can be seen in the videos, of which there are quite a lot on the Internet. It is performed in several stages:
- Check for the presence of a retaining ring, which should be removed before unpressing;
- Installing a support on a metal pipe;
- Knocking out the ball.
During operation, it is important not to damage the boot, which will still be useful for a new spare part. If it is worn out, this element can also be replaced.
How to check a ball joint on a Renault Logan
While driving, the ball joint experiences significant loads; as a result of frictional forces, the bushings wear out, and sand and dirt get inside through the damaged boot. The finger begins to dangle in the body. With average wear, the car begins to sway on the road while driving. If it is stronger, knocking, squeaking when turning, and difficulty controlling the steering wheel may appear. While driving, the car does not hold the road well. Increased tire wear is also observed. In the worst case scenario, the ball joint pin could break out of the housing, causing the wheel to separate from the arm. You will have to continue driving on a tow truck.
Diagnostics of SHO
You need to perform a number of actions:
- Place the car on a lift so that the front wheels are hanging in the air. Or use a jack to lift the car by placing wooden blocks under the body.
- Turn the wheels in one direction until they stop. Inspect the anthers: if they are severely damaged, then it is better to replace the ball joint, even if there is no play in the fingers - this will happen soon.
- Without removing the wheel, you need to grab the top and bottom sides. Try gently shaking it up and down. There shouldn't be much chatter. The procedure must be repeated at different steering wheel positions.
- Also, no play should be felt if you place the pry bar between the lever and the pivot pin.
In some cases, other spare parts may be the culprit for problems with the front suspension: wheel bearings, silent blocks. Therefore, a comprehensive inspection is recommended.
Choosing a Renault Logan ball joint
Service technicians advise installing original spare parts on the suspension. Causes:
- For parts manufactured at the company's factories, materials are used in accordance with the technologies developed by the designers.
- provides a guarantee for all spare parts purchased in company stores, dealers and service centers.
- The service life of original spare parts is significantly longer than that of analogues.
Reference data: on smooth city roads, ball joints can travel up to 120–140 thousand km. It is important to drive carefully. If operation occurs in an area with poor quality roads, then the service life is reduced by almost half. And when using “left-handed” parts, wear will occur even faster.
Important: since 2013, it has been using ball joints of a new type. Now they have fingers with a lateral rather than a circular groove. The “old” and “new” options can be seen in the photo.
Article numbers for different parts will also be different:
- “Old” sample - 401604793R;
- “New” – 401602523R – differs in the direction of the finger groove.
Number of recommended special tool sleeve-mandrel for installation: R10079.
Ball dimensions on Logan:
- cone size: 18 mm
- outer diameter: 38.3 mm.
If you choose an analogue, then the search must also be carried out based on the corresponding articles.
It is worth considering that ball joints using the Renault Logan repair technology should be changed along with the levers. Therefore, it is not always possible to purchase original spare parts. If you have problems finding it, it is recommended to remove the old part and look for a replacement with it.
There are two manufacturing companies that have proven themselves, both are based in Germany, but Lemforder also has production sites in Romania.
For part 401604793R you can find analogues:
- TRW JBJ721;
- Lemforder 29469 01 or 37809 01.
To replace 401602523R, similar products are produced:
- "Avtovaz" - for Lada Largus;
- "Hofer"
- "Cedar";
- "Belaz".
Analogues from China are also available, but their quality leaves much to be desired.
Eventually
The procedure for changing a spherical joint is not as simple as replacing the coolant on a Renault Logan, but it is quite feasible for an ordinary motorist. And yet, each of them dreams of extending the service life of this suspension part. To do this, you need to periodically inspect the condition of the protective boot.
When inspecting, pay special attention to abrasions, cracks and any other mechanical damage to the rubber element. If any of the above is found, then you should not only immediately change the boot, but also check the play in the assembly by moving it vertically
If it is present, you should consider installing a new hinge.
Replacement Tools and Accessories
To remove the ball joint you will need a puller.
Puller
The same tool will help remove the tie rods. To install a new support, you will need a mandrel bushing or a head of the appropriate diameter from the kit. You also need a jack (if there is no access to a lift), a hammer, a small crowbar or a pry bar.
Replacing the Renault Logan ball joint
The car is installed so that the front wheels do not touch the ground. It is recommended to loosen the wheel nuts in advance.
The wheels need to be removed.
You need to unscrew the ball joint mounting bolt, remove the pin from the steering knuckle, and push the lever down. The nut usually comes off well, but to remove the bolt you may need WD 40 or kerosene - it often “sticks.”
“Stuck” ball joint bolt
Now you have to remove the casing - unscrew the 2 nuts.
Remove the stabilizer link bolt.
Remove the silent block bolts (front and rear).
Remove the lever assembly with the ball joint using a hammer and wedge. It's better to use a puller.
Removed lever
You can also knock out the defective part using a pipe-shaped mandrel and a wooden stop.
Having placed the lever on the workbench, you need to install a new ball. Place grease under the boot. For driving, it is recommended to use the pipe on which the old part was knocked out.
The last step, installing the lever on the car, is done in the reverse order.
Video: how to replace a ball joint on a Renault Logan
How to change it yourself: step-by-step instructions
There are two methods for replacing a ball joint on a Renault Logan - with and without removing the lever. In the first case, it is more convenient to dismantle the faulty ball joint, in the second - there is less assembly and disassembly work. In the instructions we consider both options. Basic steps:
- remove the wheel;
- remove the caliper;
- unscrew and knock out the ball joint;
- remove the lever (with the first method);
- press out the old support;
- press in a new one;
- assemble in reverse order.
Let's take a closer look at each point.
- There shouldn't be any problems removing the wheel. But when removing the caliper, you need to unscrew the two 18mm mounting bolts, and then release the brake pads. This can be done using a screwdriver or a small pry bar. To decompress, rest not against the disc, but against the pad. After dismantling, hang the caliper higher on the suspension spring using wire or rope.
Drive a screwdriver into the slot of the steering knuckle and remove the ball
If the old boot is intact, it is better to keep it
Be careful when working with the ball seat
