How do I replace the two front ball joints on a 1989 Mazda 323 two door
hatch back standard model (not GTX etc.)

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Request for Question Clarification by historybuff-ga on 19 Aug 2002 10:47 PDT

Do you mean the CV joints, the ones between the axle and the wheels,
normally covered by rubber boots?

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Clarification of Question by bluto-ga on 19 Aug 2002 13:55 PDT

No, pressed into the lower control arm of each front wheel assembly is
a ball joint. A mechanic said mine were shot and
needed replacement. They cost about $50 a piece and take less than an
hour to replace. Definately not the CV joints.
I figure, I could do the repair myself with a little more information.

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Request for Question Clarification by lot-ga on 19 Aug 2002 17:15 PDT

Hello,
Do you want to a source where you can by a manual?
regards lot-ga

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Clarification of Question by bluto-ga on 22 Aug 2002 08:53 PDT

Thank you for looking. I have the Chiltons, and was not satisfied with
their level of detail. I was hoping someone might have
performed this repair and documented it somewhere.

I did not find any online instructions for replacing ball joints in an
'89 Mazda 323.  I'd go for the Chilton's at this juncture.  If it's an
'89, chances are it'll come in handy for some other fixes along the
way.

Normally you just remove the nut and use a ball joint seperator, which
is just like a wedge with a slot in the middle. Ball joints usually
seat on a taper and you need to break this. If you dont want to buy a
whole manual WWW.haynes.co.uk sell chapters from their manuals online.
Must admit don't have model specific knowledge but hope this is of
some help.