ball joints

[GT26]

2003 Silverado 4x4 1500 5.3 Haynes manual says to remove A arms and take to shop and press out old ball joints...canthse ball joints be pressed out with C clamp[proper one for ball joints]...seems a lot easier..thanks

[Blue Bowtie]

In order to use the C-clamp type press the ball joint stud needs to be removed from the knuckle, the sway bar links need to be removed, and torsion bars need to be relaxed so that the A-frame can be lowered far enough to use the tool to press the new joint back into place. In essence, everything would have to be removed EXCEPT the two control arm bushing bolts, at which point it would be relatively easy to simply remove the two bushing bolts and remove the arm. Since the original joints may be staked in around the perimeter of the A-frame, it is a lot easier to remove it to be able to cut out the stakes and press the joints in/out.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by GT26

2003 Silverado 4x4 1500 5.3 Haynes manual says to remove A arms and take to shop and press out old ball joints...canthse ball joints be pressed out with C clamp[proper one for ball joints]...seems a lot easier..thanks

the ball joints can be removed by the typical method . removal of the control arms should not be required. it is possible though it maybe required if this is joint not coming out..so use care in not damaging the ball joint socket.

use a lithium based grease on your front end components. grease often at least every oil change. if lifted more often. Before you off road , make sure that these joints are lubed good.