Lower ball joint K10 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TwoFiftyShifter · 09-28-2013, 08:06 AM

Turns out my wheel is about to fall off.... Jacked it up and found the driver side lower ball joint is done. The others are tight and look fairly new. So to replace just the lower ball joint on a K10, does the axle need to come out? What would need to be removed to replace the ball joint? I searched and only found threads for 2 wheel drives.
Posted via Mobile Device

blakeduren · 09-28-2013, 11:15 AM

hub off,
caliper off,
special socket to get disc/hub off,
spindle/caliper bracket off,
axle out,
tie rod off,
lower ball joint nut off,
upper ball joint nut,
Press to get lower ball joint out,
press new in.
to do it right, there is a special socket to torque the upper ball joint seat when installing the spindle back on.

Zane M · 09-29-2013, 03:37 PM

You may seriously want to consider doing the upper ball joint while you are at it. Unless it really seems good and tight, you may end up repeating this whole process sooner than later.

OLDCHEV4X4 · 09-30-2013, 08:27 AM

If the spindle hasn't been off in a long time it may be a bear to get off. A block off wood, a bfh, and some pb blaster will do the job. Also while you have it apart check to see that all the seals are good and the axle end u joint.

swamp rat · 09-30-2013, 11:13 AM

Also have to remove pitman arm from the steering arm.. I'd seriously look at tie rod ends and pitman arm ends for possible replacement. Also plan on a front end alignment.

OLDCHEV4X4 · 09-30-2013, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamp rat

Also have to remove pitman arm from the steering arm..

?? The pitman arm is attached to the steering box. The steering arm is attached to the knuckle. They are connected via the drag link. Not sure what you mean there, but neither have to be removed to do ball joints. Just disconnect the drag link from the steering arm. Removing the steering arm is a PITA.

swamp rat · 09-30-2013, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLDCHEV4X4

?? The pitman arm is attached to the steering box. The steering arm is attached to the knuckle. They are connected via the drag link. Not sure what you mean there, but neither have to be removed to do ball joints. Just disconnect the drag link from the steering arm. Removing the steering arm is a PITA.

>>>Just disconnect the drag link from the steering arm<<<

Yea sorry that.s what i meant.

Dale99 · 09-30-2013, 08:02 PM

I will x2 on zanes comment.

09-28-2013, 08:06 AM	#1
TwoFiftyShifter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gwinnett GA Posts: 1,803	Lower ball joint K10 Turns out my wheel is about to fall off.... Jacked it up and found the driver side lower ball joint is done. The others are tight and look fairly new. So to replace just the lower ball joint on a K10, does the axle need to come out? What would need to be removed to replace the ball joint? I searched and only found threads for 2 wheel drives. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh!

09-28-2013, 11:15 AM	#2
blakeduren Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 192	Re: Lower ball joint K10 hub off, caliper off, special socket to get disc/hub off, spindle/caliper bracket off, axle out, tie rod off, lower ball joint nut off, upper ball joint nut, Press to get lower ball joint out, press new in. to do it right, there is a special socket to torque the upper ball joint seat when installing the spindle back on.

09-29-2013, 03:37 PM	#3
Zane M Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 706	Re: Lower ball joint K10 You may seriously want to consider doing the upper ball joint while you are at it. Unless it really seems good and tight, you may end up repeating this whole process sooner than later.

09-30-2013, 08:27 AM	#4
OLDCHEV4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Chester County PA, USA Posts: 1,228	Re: Lower ball joint K10 If the spindle hasn't been off in a long time it may be a bear to get off. A block off wood, a bfh, and some pb blaster will do the job. Also while you have it apart check to see that all the seals are good and the axle end u joint. __________________ 72 k/10 short wideside 72 k/5 Blazer 72 K/5 Blazer - obstacle course racer 72 custom/10 8' bed 70 K/5 Blazer 67 C-30 GMC Flat bed 86 GMC K2500 Plow Truck 85 GMC K3500 84 M1008 85 M1008 77 G30 Motor Home 72 Sears 12hp Tractor Glenmoore, Pennsylvania

09-30-2013, 11:13 AM	#5
swamp rat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Spanaway Posts: 8,451	Re: Lower ball joint K10 Also have to remove pitman arm from the steering arm.. I'd seriously look at tie rod ends and pitman arm ends for possible replacement. Also plan on a front end alignment. __________________ Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's

09-30-2013, 08:02 PM	#8
Dale99 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NLR, AR Posts: 1,387	Re: Lower ball joint K10 I will x2 on zanes comment.



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