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First Timer: Front Suspension and Steering upgrade
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 483
Likes: 3
From: d.d.o quebec
First Timer: Front Suspension and Steering upgrade
I am going to try to install my VB's rack and pinion myself, I have tools and I think I am pretty handy with my hands. I also have U tube and the Hayes Corvette repair manual.
I was told that the upper and lower ball joints have to be changed, they are the ones that come with VB upper and lower tube A arms (they where installed in 2004) I will do that at the same time.
How hard do you think this would be to do?
I will post pictures as I go along, so I will need your help but most important your Support
I was told that the upper and lower ball joints have to be changed, they are the ones that come with VB upper and lower tube A arms (they where installed in 2004) I will do that at the same time.
How hard do you think this would be to do?
I will post pictures as I go along, so I will need your help but most important your Support
Last edited by silver79; Sep 1, 2011 at 05:38 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Dismantling the front suspension is something you can find in the service manual or from a search of the forum. If your ball joints are original you will have to grind off the rivet heads to remove them. I would replace the lower ball joints while I was at it. Also inspect the control arm bushings to see if they need replacement.
Kits don't always fit as advertised so you may have to do some grinding, etc. to get things to fit right. VB&P is a quality vendor but your particular car may still have fitment issues.
Rick B.
Kits don't always fit as advertised so you may have to do some grinding, etc. to get things to fit right. VB&P is a quality vendor but your particular car may still have fitment issues.
Rick B.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 483
Likes: 3
From: d.d.o quebec
Success
I did it after 2 hours of battling bolts, tight places and grease I removed the steering system in one piece, Not bad for a first timer.
This Sunday I will clean and get every thing ready for the install.
One question how do I tell if the ball joints need changing?
I did it after 2 hours of battling bolts, tight places and grease I removed the steering system in one piece, Not bad for a first timer.This Sunday I will clean and get every thing ready for the install.
One question how do I tell if the ball joints need changing?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 483
Likes: 3
From: d.d.o quebec
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 483
Likes: 3
From: d.d.o quebec
Finally the rack is up , way more than 3 hours, with bolts in very tight places. No problem removing them all none were seized. I will finish it then I will poist my impression of the new steering system, it should be a great upgrade.
Some questions I have, how do I drain the power steering bump?
Some questions I have, how do I drain the power steering bump?
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 483
Likes: 3
From: d.d.o quebec
No not yet I will finish painting the calipers (red), change the oil and also install a ball valve to cut the cabin heat. I have an appointment tomorrow for the alignment. I am excited to go for a ride.
keep you posted with pictures later.
keep you posted with pictures later.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 483
Likes: 3
From: d.d.o quebec
there is quite a bit of movement on the bottom of the front wheels when I hold them at 4 and 8 o'clock. I wonder if I have to get the front end aligned after a ball joint replacement???So this is the calipers painted red
and here is the universal joint attached to the steering shaft, I am going to send this picture VB to is if there is to much thread showing at the attachments.
