How to replace the lower ball joint on a Chevy truck?

1. Remove the lower ball joint using tools J-9519-10 and J-23454-1, and sleeve J23454-4 or equivalent. If tool J-23454-4 is not available a suitable tool can be fabricated from 2 – 3/8″ O.D. steel tubing with a minimum of 2 – 1/16″ I.D., cut 2 – 1/2″ long. 2.

When to change the front axle ball joint?

Front axle ball joint adjustment is generally necessary only when there is excessive play in steering, irregular wear on tires, or persistent loosening of the tie rod is observed. 1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist then place jack stands just inside of the front springs.

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.

Where are the ball joints on a suspension?

While this design of the joints is commonly used on many other suspension components, such as tie rod ends and sway bar links, ball joints are responsible for connecting the suspension control arms to the vehicle’s steering knuckles.

What happens when a ball joint loosens in a car?

If a ball joint starts to loosen, you’ll hear clunking sounds from the front as the joint rattles in the socket. If it tightens up, the steering will bind so you can have a stiff spot as you turn the steering wheel. There may be a binding or squeaking sound in addition to the stiff spot.

What to look for in a front suspension ball joint?

Look for the grease fitting. 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.

Do you need to remove steering arm before ball joint replacement?

The non-hardened threads in the yoke can be easily damaged by the hardened threads in the adjusting sleeve if caution is not used during knuckle removal. – On the LH knuckle, it is necessary to remove the steering arm before servicing the upper ball joint. Remove the lower ball joint snap ring before beginning.

How to replace a front axle in a Chevy truck?

Chevy Truck 4wd Front Axle Ball Joint Replacement Instructions The following instructions are according to GM specs, and include the use of special tools available from General Motors. The special tools are – J-9519-10 – “C” Clamp (not just a simple “C” Clamp) J-23454 – 1