The stud of the ball joint which sits at the end of the steering idler arm wont move at all (by hand). Is this right? Its fairly seized or else this is the way its meant to be?

Theres no play in the joint because theres no movement at all in any direction.

Anyone know if thats normal for this joint or is it finished.

 

I replaced my idler arm a while ago. With it installed (the old one,) if someone turned the wheel back and forth, there was movement (looseness) in the joint. When I took it off, I could easily move it by hand. The new one was tight, very tight. I could not move it by hand, although I didn't try with any determination. NOrmally they would get loose rather than seize, never heard of one seizing. Could have though. Put the nut on it and grab it with some pliars and see if you can move it. Dunno if this helps.

 

nope new balljoints are tight... most likely to tight for you to move by hand... you cant get the same amount of leverage on it inyuor hand as it would see under the weight of the car with big old tierods tied into it....

 

Great, thanks guys, it must have been changed by a previous owner so seen as the car is 14 yrs old.

I've done the bushings and regreased the lot so that might improve things.