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    Avalanche, Sierra, Silverado, C&K Series, 1999-2005

    Upper Ball Joints

    Print

    Removal & Installation



    1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
      2.  
    2. Remove or disconnect the following:

      Wheel
       
      Brake hose bracket from the control arm
       

      3.  
    3. Using a 1 / 8 in. drill bit, drill a pilot hole through each ball joint rivet.
      4.  
    4. Drill out the rivets with a 1 / 2 in. drill bit. Punch out any remaining rivet material.

      Cotter pin and nut from the ball stud
       

      5.  
    5. Support the lower control arm.

      Stud from the knuckle. Using a ball joint separator
       

      6.  

    To install:

    1. Install or connect the following:
      NOTE
      Service replacement ball joints come with nuts and bolts to replace the rivets.


      NOTE
      The bolts are inserted from the bottom.



      New ball joint on the control arm
       



      Bolts and nuts. Torque the nuts to 17 ft. lbs. (23 Nm) for 15 and 25-Series, 52 ft. lbs. (70 Nm) for 35-Series.
       

      2.  
    2. Start the ball stud into the knuckle. Ensure it is squarely seated. Install the ball stud nut and pull the ball stud into the knuckle with the nut. Tighten the nut after the vehicle wheels are on the ground and the suspension is loaded.

      Wheel
       

      3.  
    3. Once the weight of the vehicle is on the wheels tighten the nut to 84 ft. lbs. (115 Nm).
      4.  

    1. Raise and support the vehicle.
      2.  
    2. Remove or disconnect the following:

      Tire and wheel assembly
       
      Upper control arm
       
      Upper ball joint, using a press
       

      3.  

    To install:


    NOTE
    The ball joint must be installed with the flat edges or notches in the same position as the replaced ball joint. The ball joint is directional and damage will occur if this procedure is not followed.

    1. Install or connect the following:

      Upper ball joint, using a press
       
      Upper control arm
       
      Tire and wheel assembly
       

      2.  
    2. Remove the safety stands.
      3.  
    3. Lower the vehicle.
      4.  
    4. Verify the wheel alignment.
      5.  

    1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
      2.  
    2. Remove or disconnect the following:

      Wheel
       
      Brake hose bracket from the control arm
       

      3.  
    3. Using a 1 / 8 in. drill bit, drill a pilot hole through each ball joint rivet.
      4.  
    4. Drill out the rivets with a 1 / 2 in. drill bit. Punch out any remaining rivet material.

      Cotter pin and nut from the ball stud
       

      5.  
    5. Support the lower control arm.

      Stud from the knuckle using a ball joint separator
       

      6.  

    To install:

    1. Install or connect the following:
      NOTE
      Service replacement ball joints come with nuts and bolts to replace the rivets.


      NOTE
      The bolts are inserted from the bottom.



      New ball joint on the control arm
       



      Bolts and nuts. Torque the nuts to 17 ft. lbs. (23 Nm) for 15- and 25-Series, 52 ft. lbs. (70 Nm) for 35-Series.
       

      2.  
    2. Start the ball stud into the knuckle. Ensure it is squarely seated. Install the ball stud nut and pull the ball stud into the knuckle with the nut. Tighten the nut after the vehicle wheels are on the ground and the suspension is loaded.

      Wheel
       

      3.  
    3. Once the weight of the vehicle is on the wheels tighten the nut to 84 ft. lbs. (115 Nm).
      4.  

    1. Raise and support the vehicle.
      2.  
    2. Remove or disconnect the following:

      Tire and wheel assembly
       
      Upper control arm
       
      Upper ball joint, using a press
       

      3.  

    To install:


    NOTE
    The ball joint must be installed with the flat edges or notches in the same position as the replaced ball joint. The ball joint is directional and damage will occur if this procedure is not followed.

    1. Install or connect the following:

      Upper ball joint, using a press
       
      Upper control arm
       
      Tire and wheel assembly
       

      2.  
    2. Remove the safety stands.
      3.  
    3. Lower the vehicle.
      4.  
    4. Verify the wheel alignment.
      5.  

    2005-06 & 2007 Classic Models
    1. Raise and support the vehicle.
      2.  
    2. Remove or disconnect the following:

      Tire and wheel assembly
       
      Upper control arm
       
      Upper ball joint, using a press
       

      3.  

    To install:


    NOTE
    The ball joint must be installed with the flat edges or notches in the same position as the replaced ball joint. The ball joint is directional and damage will occur if this procedure is not followed.

    1. Install or connect the following:

      Upper ball joint, using a press
       
      Upper control arm
       
      Tire and wheel assembly
       

      2.  
    2. Remove the safety stands.
      3.  
    3. Lower the vehicle.
      4.  
    4. Verify the wheel alignment.
      5.  

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