How to replace front lower ball joint 97-04 Chevy S10?

Before lifting the car, loosen the lug nuts up with a 19 mm wrench, and the hub nut using a 35 mm socket. It’s best to do this while the car is on the ground so the wheels won’t move. Position the jack under the control arm with a jack stand under the frame.

When to replace the ball joint in a control arm?

Many control arms have the ball joint manufactured into the arm which will be replaced along with the control arm itself. When one control arm is worn it is highly advised to replace the opposing arm. How Much Does it Cost?

How do you install a new ball joint?

Install the new ball joint up through the bottom of the lower control arm and tap it with a hammer gently to line it up so that it will be pressed in perfectly straight. Press the ball joint in the lower control arm using the ball joint installer kit. Make sure the joint is completely in before removing the installer.

How do you remove the ball joint from a lawn mower?

Removing the Old Ball Joint Pull the cotter pin and loosen the large castellated nut. The top should look like a crown, or castle, at the bottom. Pop loose the ball joint. The goal is to try to guide it through the hole in the upper half of the steering knuckle. Remove the allen bolts and slide the control arm free.

How do you replace a worn ball joint on a Chevy S-10?

By raising each tire off the ground about 3 inches and prying up from underneath the tire, a worn ball joint can be detected by the free-play experienced when lifted. Raise and support the side of the vehicle that the service is to be performed on using a jack stand. Remove the wheel with the lug wrench.

How to replace a lower control arm ball joint?

Replacing a Lower Control Arm Ball Joint. Learn how to replace a lower ball joint by pressing it out of the control arm and pressing the new one back in. To watch the longer, in depth version, click the link below. Press out a Ball Joint (In-depth):

How do you install a new ball joint?

How to replace a steering knuckle hole in a soccer ball?

Guide the new joint through the knuckle hole. Slide the new rubber boot over the ball joint’s stud and guide the new ball joint back up through the steering knuckle hole, where it came from. 2 Bolt the joint into place using the hardware included.

How can I check the ball joint on my front suspension?

If your front suspension uses MacPherson struts, look for a wear indicator, which is usually a grease fitting. Grasp the fitting and try to wiggle it. If the fitting moves around inside the housing, you’ll need to replace the ball joint. Jack up the car on the front cross-member.

How to replace lower ball joint on Chevy Silverado?

This video outlines the complete process of removal and replacement of the upper control arm and lower ball joint on a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4X4 with torsion bar front suspension. The process is similar on many GM trucks and includes tips and tricks to help make the job easy and do it right. The entire process was unedited for time.

Why are my ball joints on my Chevy S-10 not working?

Worn ball joints on a Chevy S-10 cause alignment problems resulting in rapid uneven tire wear as well as banging noises when encountering rough surfaces. Severely worn ball joints can separate from their socket, which would result in total loss of steering.

What happens when a car’s ball joints wear down?

The ball joints allow the suspension of your vehicle to move up and down, while at the same time allow the wheels to turn left and right. Over time, a car’s ball joints may wear down. If a ball joint starts to loosen, you’ll hear clunking sounds from the front as the joint rattles in the socket.

How can I check the ball joint on my car?

Figure out if your vehicle’s got a strut-style suspension or a control arm, then check the ball joint by either jacking up the control arm near the ball joint to check for wheel play, or by jacking up the car and using a pry-bar to check for wheel play in a strut-style suspension.