Thursday, September 15, 2011

How difficult is it to change ball joints?

My dad was a mechanic for Chevrolet for over 30 years, but before I ask him if he will do it, I wanted to know how difficult it would be for someone like him to change them at home? I don't know if there was special tools needed or not thats why I ask?
How difficult is it to change ball joints?
If they've never been changed, you'll need a chisel and a small sledge hammer to break the rivets. A pneumatic chisel would certainly be quicker and easier.



I did mine on my 1972 C1500. Depends upon your dad's physical condition. He certainly has the knowledge.



The original upper ball joints are riveted in. Replacement ball joints are bolted in through the original rivet holes. Lower ball joints just snug fit inside the hole in the lower control arm - no bolts.



The only %26quot;special tools%26quot; I used was a chisel, small sledge hammer, jack stands, floor jack and a ball joint separator. I didn't use a spring compressor - too dangerous. Just use the floor jack to support the lower control arm as you separate the ball joint from the upper control arm.
How difficult is it to change ball joints?
if you have the right tools it fairly easy, but if not then it will be a longggg day.
If they've been changed before than it's not too bad.If they're the original ones,you'll have to drill and chisel the rivets to remove the old ones.
Not hard at all depending on whether you have four wheel drive or not. If not the should be easy. Put the truck on jack stands. Remove the front wheels. Then Remove the nut from the bottom and they should come right out if they are busted.
about the only two special tools for that are a pickle fork (with a good sizes hammer and a good jack. a spring compressor is a good thing to have also.
I can do them 1/2 hour a side.i take my snap on air hammer separate them the ball joints put a chisel bit in it air hammer the rivets off hit them with a big hammer they fall out on the floor correctly torque the new ones in because they bolt in..correctly torque all the bolts etc .Then it has to be alighned.if you are good with a torch you can blow off the rivets that way too.if you are not don't even try.
There are special tools that are used. Without them it is very hard. But can be done, but damage to the a-arms can be damages getting them out. But the tools can be rent if your dad does not have them in his tool box. He will know what they are.

I would get the frond end aligned.
with SST is easy

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