Upper Ball Joint: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1990 GMC Safari and 1990 Chevrolet Astro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Raise and support front of vehicle with jack stands positioned under lower control arms near ball joint. Jack stands must remain under lower control arm during upper ball joint servicing.
- Remove wheel and tire assembly. Remove cotter pin and upper ball joint stud nut. Install Ball Joint Separator (J-23742 ) between the ball studs. Extend ball joint separator to separate ball joint stud from steering knuckle. See Figure .
- Remove ball joint separator. Remove ball joint stud from steering knuckle. Support steering knuckle assembly to prevent damage to brake line.
- Using drill and a 1/8" (3.18 mm) drill bit, drill a 1/4" (6.35 mm) deep hole in ball joint retaining rivets. Using a 1/2" (12.70 mm) drill bit, drill out the rivet heads. Using a hammer and small punch, drive out rivets and remove ball joint assembly.