How to Replace K-Series Lower Ball Joints

Iskandar Blogger 8:05 PM

The lower ball joints of your Chevrolet or GMC K-Series truck are connectors between the wheels and steering system of your truck. If your truck has faulty ball joints, you will be unable to steer properly. In the event your truck's ball joints break or begin to malfunction, you can replace them in under an hour. As the ball joints are necessary components for your K-Series truck, replace them as soon as you can.

Instructions

    1

    Park the truck and engage the parking brake. Be sure that the surface the truck rests on is not raised. Park on a flat, level surface.

    2

    Raise the truck with a jack and support the truck's front end with jack stands.

    3

    Use a floor jack to support the lower control arm.

    4

    Remove the nuts from the front wheels and then pull off both of them.

    5

    Remove the bolts from the half-shaft with a socket wrench and remove the half-shaft from the truck. The half-shaft is located underneath the front end of the vehicle.

    6

    Remove the caliper assembly and move it out of the way.

    7

    Use pliers to pull off the cotter pin. Remove the stud nut with a socket wrench.

    8

    Remove the bolts from the lower ball joint with a socket wrench.

    9

    Use a ball joint fork to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Place a new ball joint onto the steering wheel and tighten its bolts to 115 Nm.

    10

    Reattach the stud nut and cotter pin to the control arm. Reconnect the caliper assembly and half-shaft.

    11

    Reattach the wheels and remove the floor jack and jack stands. Lower the truck.