So I'm stuck, I've got to the part where I've taken the two 19mil bolts off at the bottom of the suspension strut and the hub has flopped out but I cant get enough clearance to push the shaft in and out of the hub, do I need to take the cv joint out (the one on the steering shaft) I've undone the nut on the cv and banged on it a bit but it out coming out of the hub, so I gave up and came inside to write this..lol

I am also stuck under, I went to take the front part of the exhaust out and the o2 sensor is on it wired up into the cabin. I spannered on the o2 and that doesnt move either like its seized into the exhaust, do i need to pull the centre consul out to unplug the wiring....

Its becoming a pain in the butt but I'm saving about 700 bucks doing it myself so yeh well I'll keep at it, hopefully I wont break anything

 

Take the tie rod end loose. Use a proper tool or you will be buying new tie rod ends.

 

you should put the bolts back into the strut and remove the ball joint instead.

 

^^^ That works too.

 

It sounds like the o2 sensor you are talking about is the rear one. If this is correct then you should be able to unplug it underneath the passenger seat (no need to disassemble the center console).

 

Thanks for the tips guys, I've got the shaft out now, just goes to show take our time and yes i need a proper tool to get the ball joint out, just looked it up, a ball joint press, i might try and make one. I'll keep pushing on

 

No you don't have to remove the ball joint from the control arm, you just need to remove the one bolt holding the ball joint into the hub and pry them apart.

 

Use a jack to raise the knuckle after you get the bolt out. Hammer on the knuckle @ the ball joint and the LCA and the ball joint should pop loose. Use minimal prying to avoid damage to ball joint boots. Plus it's a pain in the ***.

 

The lower ball joint isn't a tapered/press fit. It should fall right out. If there is some corrosion, a pry bar usually gets them out.