The Chevrolet S-10 ZR2 4WD truck has ball joints located on each of the four wheels that connect the wheels to the truck's steering linkage. The ball joints rest between the lower control arm and the truck's steering knuckle. If the truck's ball joints are damaged in an accident or simply wear out over time, you need to replace them with new ball joints, because otherwise you will be unable to steer your truck.
Instructions
- 1
Raise the truck with a jack and support the truck's front end with jack stands.
2Remove the nuts from the front wheels with a wheel wrench and pull the front wheels off the truck.
3Remove the cotter pin from the upper ball stud with a pair of pliers. Loosen the ball stud nut with a socket wrench, but do not remove it.
4Separate the ball joint from the lower control arm with a ball joint separator tool. Remove the ball stud nut with a socket wrench.
5Drill out the four rivets securing the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Remove the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
6Install the new ball joint onto the steering knuckle using the bolts that came with the new ball joint. The bolts will replace the rivets. Use a socket wrench to install the bolts.
7Reattach the ball stud nut to reconnect the steering knuckle and control arm. Reattach the cotter pin.
8Reattach the front wheels. Remove the jack stands from the truck and lower the ZR2 slowly. Remove the jack.
