Lower Ball Joint: Removal
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 15 other vehicles, including the 1992 Oldsmobile Bravada, 1992 GMC Yukon, 1992 GMC Suburban, 1992 GMC Sonoma, and 1992 GMC Safari. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Raise and support vehicle under lower control arms. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Remove steering knuckle. SeeSTEERING KNUCKLE under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove brake line and brackets from lower control arm (if equipped).
- On Bravada, Jimmy, Sonoma, Syclone, Typhoon and "T" Series Blazer & Pickup, to remove lower ball joint from lower control arm, using drill and 1/8" (3.18 mm) drill bit, drill 1/4" (6.35 mm) deep hole in ball joint retaining rivets. Using 1/2" (12.7 mm) drill bit, drill out rivet heads. Using a hammer and small punch, drive out rivets and remove ball joint from lower control arm.
- On Astro, "K" Series Blazer & Pickup, Safari, Sierra, Suburban, and Yukon, to remove lower ball joint from lower control arm, using drill and 1/8" (3.18 mm) drill bit, drill 1/4" (6.35 mm) deep hole in ball joint retaining rivets. Using 1/2" (12.7 mm) drill bit, drill out rivet heads. Using 5/16" (8 mm) drill bit, drill hole 2/3 the length of rivet shank. Using 5/16" (8 mm) punch, drive out rivets and remove ball joint from lower control arm.
CAUTION:
When installing lower ball joint stud nut, tighten nut to align cotter pin hole. DO NOT tighten ball joint stud nut more than an additional 1/6 turn to align cotter pin hole. Complete tightening of lower ball joint stud nut with vehicle at proper riding height specification.