First off, thank you to everyone who contributed to the how to thread... Unfortunately, I didn't follow these steps exactly because I am a novice and had some with experience help me but now I think i've messed up. We replaced the driver side upper ball joint in my 99 S10 as it was basically sheared in half on the bottom side(not sure how this happened as it showed no signs of wear). Anyway when we put it back together we put the bottom piece of the ball joint with the rubber boot under the upper a arm, and the top piece over the upper a arm then bolted them together...I am now fairly certain that these two pieces should have been "butted together" then bolted down rather than them being separated by the a arm...can anyone just verify this for me before I take it apart again? I'm obviously not very mechanically inclined but am trying to learn as I go...Thanks in advance...Anything else to look out for?

Leo

99 S10 4.3L 2WD

you are correct. The boot should have been put into the metal piece and then put onto the ball joint and then installed as one assembly.

you are correct. The boot should have been put into the metal piece and then put onto the ball joint and then installed as one assembly.


Thank you, looks like I have to take it apart again tomorrow. I haven't really driven it yet, just around the block. Is it likely any damage was caused by having this installed incorrectly?

Thanks again!


Leo 99 S19 4.3L 2WD

Your big problem is getting it apart without tearing the boot. This is needed to keep out dirt and moisture. After market may be available but will have to be ordered.

A couple of whacks on the knuckle where the joint goes through and it will pop pretty easy. No need to use a pickle fork and tear up the boot. I couldn't tell you the last time I used one of those to separate a ball joint.

I was able to get the new upper ball joint in properly today without too much trouble. The lower seems ok but I know I need to replace the other three soon. I will definitely be more prepared next time. Thanks to everyone!