Lower Ball Joint: Removal
- Raise and support vehicle under lower control arms. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Remove steering knuckle. See STEERING KNUCKLE . Remove brakeline and brackets from lower control arm (if equipped).
- On Bravada, Jimmy, Sonoma, 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.