Replace Ball joint

[McLin]

Hi,

my Lumina 98 3.8L LTZ need to replace the passanger Ball joint.

Did anybody know if I need some speacial tools? Did can anybody down write a short step by step what is todo?

Happy new Year @all!

[maxwedge]

Check the how to at autozone.com. repair guides, register and go to suspension/steering.

[McLin]

thx, but these instruction I had read, but I have problem with the part where stand I should remove the lower control arm, for these steps I need a special tool...

So I must really remove the lower control arm?

[svotta]

if the ball joint is original then it might be riveted on. you dont have to remove the control arm on mine at least i didt. i cut my rivets off drilled the new holes and put the new one in

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by svotta

if the ball joint is original then it might be riveted on. you dont have to remove the control arm on mine at least i didt. i cut my rivets off drilled the new holes and put the new one in

Correct, it is easier to grind the rivets off out of the car but it can be done on car, an air chisel is how we do it.

[McLin]

Ok one more qestion. I readed in Haynes Repair Manual that I must use an two arm puller to remove the ball joint from the knuckle, but I did not need an tool for installation, that make me confuse

[maxwedge]

Not true ,once the rivets are out it will drop out. Chuck the Haynes, useless!!

[unboundtrucker]

I had to use a "pickle fork" on mine when I replaced 'them'. I wouldn't suggest replacing one side only.

[McLin]

So I understand what u told me is that I just chisel the rivets out?

If I dont have an air chisel is there place to hammer with chisel the rivets out?

[maxwedge]

You will see the rivet heads facing up on the top of the lower arm around the ball joint, chop them out.

[rhandwor]

If you don't have an air operated chisel a small angle side grinder will work. I use an electric grinder and grind the head off against the old ball joint. Use a hammer and punch to drive out the rivet.

[McLin]

If I do not remove the lower control arm, did I need to do new wheel alignment?

What for values did I need?

[maxwedge]

Not necessary.