Inspect/Test/Service/Replace
Removing Ball Joint Tapers from the Steering Knuckle
The ball joint is connected to the steering knuckle with a tapered connection, called a steering taper, which is also used in other steering connections.
A ball joint taper. Courtesy of Moog Automotive, Inc.
To remove a ball joint requires the use of a ball joint remover.
Another way of "breaking" the taper is to use a large hammer.
Removing the Ball Joint from the Control Arm
A ball joint can be retained by one of several methHow to change upper ball joint on 93 suburban 2500 - f57-20.gif
Three common ball joint retaining methods. Courtesy of Moog Automotive, Inc.
Some ball joints are held in with rivets from the factory. The rivets are drilled and punched to remove them. Bolts How to change upper ball joint on 93 suburban 2500 - f57-21.gifre used to hold the replacement joint in place.
Original equipment rivets are replaced with nuts and bolts. Courtesy of Moog Automotive, Inc.
The most common method is press fit. Some manufacturers require you to replace the entire control arm assembly if a ball joint is to be replaced. In these cases, the ball joint and control arm are made as a single assembly and individual parts are not available.
If the control arm has been removed from the vehicle, a pressed-fit ball joint can be removed using a standard hydraulic press. when the control arm is still on the car, a special press set allows the removal and replacement of these ball joints. some pressed-fit ball joints have a spot weld that holds them in place. this must be carefully removed. when a replacement ball joint is installed, a snap ring often takes the place of the weld.
NOTE
Be sure the grease release hole in the new ball joint's rubber boot is aimed away from the brakes.
SOURCE: Replacing upper ball joint (2001 Silverado 1500)
try autozone for a diagram and assistance and you can also rent the tools needed for the job
SOURCE: repalce ball joints 01' Chevy Blazer 4WD
you should just be able to loosen the half shaft and be ok that way
SOURCE: upper and lower ball joints
Jack the truck clear of the ground and let the wheel assembly hang. After you remove the tire place your jack under the lower control arm so it's firm. Remove the cotter pin, if you have one and loosen the big nut almost off. Wedge a "pickle fork" between the control arm and the spindle and give it a belt with a hammer until the ball joint pops. Raise the jack so you can undo the nut easily and separate the control arm and spindle.
The upper ball joint is riveted or bolted in. Grind the rivets or use a cold chisel and remove the ball joint. Clean up the area with some sandpaper, dirt , loose rust, etc.and put the new joint in. Put the spindle back on using the jack if necessary and put the nut back on and tighten.
The lower ball joint is pressed in. Tie the spindle out of the way and brace the lower control arm with some blocks or the jack if you have to. A few whacks with a hammer should pop the joint out. Clean the hole out lightly, just to remove loose rust and dirt. Put the ball joint, minus the grease fitting ,,in the hole and use the jack with a block of wood, to put it in place.You may have to fiddle with the spindle to make sure it is lined up. I've never had any trouble using a 1ton trolley jack and the weight of the truck to put the lower ball joint back in. Replace the nut and grease fitting.
The new ball joints will probably come with cotter pins, use them. Make sure the new joints are tight or they will wear the holes in the spindle. Don't forget to grease the new joints. Hope this helps.
SOURCE: replace upper ball joint 2003 silverado 1500
The ball joints on both 2wd and 4wd upper are pressed in you need to remove snap ring and using a hammer pop out the old one out this is after you seperate the upper arm from the spindle. To install the new ball joint you should use a ball joint press that you can rent at most autoparts shops
SOURCE: how do i change my upper and lower ball joints
Jack up the car remove wheel remove brake caliper and remove rotor rent a ball joint press remover and installer tool (at schucks you get money back when you bring it back) if it's 4 wheel drive you will have to remove the axle shaft next pull the snap ring off on the top side and put tool on the lower tie rod end and press out, next do the top press out top joint next sand ball joint sockets so it is clean lube with WD-40 next press in top ball joint and then lower ball joint. In this order otherwise you will have to un install the top ball joint by removing the pin then nut.
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