'94 ball joints/wheel bearings

[Ken Jennings]

My right ball joint is separating slightly (158,000) so I'm going to replace both sides. While there, was wondering if replacement of the bearings is feasible or are they pressed onto the spindle?

Also, I have an impact wrench. Anything else needed to do both jobs?

[dwalmop]

I think the bearing is pressed into the hub assembly, which is held in by 4 bolts. If you can take that out a local shop shouldn't charge you much to press out/in the new bearing. don't apply too much torque to the hub bolts - they'll snap right off. You'll need to apply plenty of heat when removing them.

[Ruley73]

The ball joints are each held on by four rivets you must grind off or drill out these rivets to replace the balljoints. The new ones include four bolts to hold them on. They will also be greasable, NOT sealed like the stock ones are so you'll need a grease gun. These are somewhat difficult to install. Removing the rivets the biggest challenge and is very time consuming. If you don't have an angle grinder or a pretty good drill, you'll definitely need to take it to the shop to have these installed.

The front bearings are hub assemblies that are held on by 4 bolts on each side. They are fairly easy to replace but somewhat costly at around $100 each. Most parts places should have one in stock. I would first check to see if the bearings are bad to begin with. As the old saying goes: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Although they can wear out, hub assemblies are meant to be maintenence-free. They don't require as much care as traditional bearings because they are sealed and lubed for life. My '95 Regal GS has over 163,000 miles on it and my front wheel bearings are fine and haven't needed replacement. Removal of the ball joint from the control arm is NOT necessary to replace the the hub assembly so I wouldn't worry about doing the bearings and the ball joints all at once.