Ball Joints

[cao88c]

Hey guys,

 

I need to replace the upper ball joints on my 1999 Suburban (2wd; 5.7). I have never done this before, is there some writeup or how to that I can use? Of if anyone wants to break it down for me I'd appreciate it.

 

Thanks

[corinthian-brad]

Definately invest in a Haynes Manual or Chiltons Manual - worth every penny several times over!

 

You have to remove the upper control arm first, and unless you have the appropriate pressing equipment - you should take it to a shop and have the new joint pressed in.

Upper Control Arm:

-Loosen the wheel lug nuts - then raise the front end and support on jack stands - remove the wheel

-position a floor jack under the lower control arm area underneath the ball joint, raise the jack slightly to take the spring pressure off the upper control arm **keep in mind the jack has to stay there for the duration of the job!**

-make a mark on the adjusting cams to the brackets on the frame

-unbolt the brake hose bracket from the upper control arm, disconnect the wiring harness for ABS if applicable

-Loosen the upper balljoint nut a few turns (don't remove it), use a balljoint removal tool, or "pickelfork" (this will probably destroy the old balljoint boot) and break the joint loose - now you can remove the nut.

-Remove the upper contol arm pivot bolts and nuts, noting which way the bolts are installed - Remove the control arm

-Install new balljoint - and reinstall upper control arm

-you should probably have the alignment checked after completion

[Draenor]

IIRC.

Jack up the vehicle, remove wheel. I kept my floor jack stands in the bottom arm. That kept enough pressure on it so I didn't have to fight the coil spring when it cam to the installation.

I had to grind off the old rivets holding the joint to the upper a-arm. Next was to unscrew the nut on the ball. You may need a fork or a good small sledge to bust the ball out of the knuckle. The joint should fall out of the knuckle and a-arm. Clean off the surfaces, add grease. Bolt the new one in the upper a-arm and attach to the knuckle. Tighten till it seats and re-install wheel.

 

Its the bottom that can be a PITA.

[cao88c]

Ok, thanks guys, I assume that autozone can loan the ball joint removal tool or picklefork??

 

Do I need an alignment after this?

[2000DV4.8]

Ok, thanks guys, I assume that autozone can loan the ball joint removal tool or picklefork??

 

Do I need an alignment after this?

 

 

Yes!

[cao88c]

One more question, is there any particular brand that I should get?

 

Thanks

[slimjim2525]

Go with OEM.

[cao88c]

If by OEM you mean AcDelco, no way. I was just reading that since the beginning of the year, they have been having quality control problems with their ball joints, and the dealers won't even sell them now.

[corinthian-brad]

Check www.rockauto.com for cheapest parts, and check www.gmpartcatalog.com for good deals on OEM and higher quality mfg brand parts - between those 2, you should be able to find a suitable replacement that isn't made by ACDelco