Lower Ball Joint Removal
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 6
Lower Ball Joint Removal
Ok, I'm stuck. I going to replace the lower ball joints while I'm lowering the front suspension, and I can't get the lower ball joint removed from the lower control arm.
I bought the ball joint remover/installer from H. Freight, and for the life of me I can't get the thing to fit. What am I doing wrong, because it 'seems' simple enough!
Since I'm replacing it anyway, should I brace the lower control arm and knock the hell out of it with a sledge?!
I bought the ball joint remover/installer from H. Freight, and for the life of me I can't get the thing to fit. What am I doing wrong, because it 'seems' simple enough!
Since I'm replacing it anyway, should I brace the lower control arm and knock the hell out of it with a sledge?!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,204
Likes: 4
From: Midland Georgia
St. Jude Donor '06
Ok, I'm stuck. I going to replace the lower ball joints while I'm lowering the front suspension, and I can't get the lower ball joint removed from the lower control arm.
I bought the ball joint remover/installer from H. Freight, and for the life of me I can't get the thing to fit. What am I doing wrong, because it 'seems' simple enough!
Since I'm replacing it anyway, should I brace the lower control arm and knock the hell out of it with a sledge?!
I bought the ball joint remover/installer from H. Freight, and for the life of me I can't get the thing to fit. What am I doing wrong, because it 'seems' simple enough!
Since I'm replacing it anyway, should I brace the lower control arm and knock the hell out of it with a sledge?!
I too will be doing this soon. I did a search awhile back and found a few excellent posts detail tools and pictures used. I know members like BlackHarley Man and others who went through this polybushings and all. Slow down count to 10 and put the sledge away. Definitely a time for finesse! 
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 6
I know you are frustrated as hell but do not use a sledge on that fine piece of aluminum A-arm! I too will be doing this soon. I did a search awhile back and found a few excellent posts detail tools and pictures used. I know members like BlackHarley Man and others who went through this polybushings and all. Slow down count to 10 and put the sledge away. Definitely a time for finesse!
I too will be doing this soon. I did a search awhile back and found a few excellent posts detail tools and pictures used. I know members like BlackHarley Man and others who went through this polybushings and all. Slow down count to 10 and put the sledge away. Definitely a time for finesse! 
I printed out a ton of info here before I got started, including BlackHarley Man's posts, so I guess that's what has me so flustered! The info is right in front of me!! What's the saying...Sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees?!!! I'll go back out there tonight with a better attitude, and will stay away from the sledge at all costs!
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,740
Likes: 2
From: Winchester Virginia
I've been gone for a while so sorry for the lack of response. The EASIEST way to remove that lower ball joint is to use a Press. HF has a cheap press and with the even cheaper adapter kit you will breeze through them in less than five minutes each. The hardest part is getting the adapter set up on the press but I highly recommend this method of removing them. When you go to reinstall, make sure that your using a quality replacement ball joint. The first ones that I had were from Corvette America and they started gouging the aluminum as I tried to insert them. After measuring the outer diameter it was apparent that those balljoints were not within GM spec or poor quality control. Either way goodluck and if there is anything that you need, hit me up!
R/Noland
R/Noland
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 6
Thank you Sir! After looking at your directions again, I think I figured out what I was doing wrong! By the way, those are some excellent writeups you have! Many Thanks!!
I ordered a set of Moog Ball joints, so hopefully they'll fit with no problem! They'll be here tomorrow, so we shall see!
Thanks again!
I ordered a set of Moog Ball joints, so hopefully they'll fit with no problem! They'll be here tomorrow, so we shall see!
Thanks again!
I've been gone for a while so sorry for the lack of response. The EASIEST way to remove that lower ball joint is to use a Press. HF has a cheap press and with the even cheaper adapter kit you will breeze through them in less than five minutes each. The hardest part is getting the adapter set up on the press but I highly recommend this method of removing them. When you go to reinstall, make sure that your using a quality replacement ball joint. The first ones that I had were from Corvette America and they started gouging the aluminum as I tried to insert them. After measuring the outer diameter it was apparent that those balljoints were not within GM spec or poor quality control. Either way goodluck and if there is anything that you need, hit me up!
R/Noland
R/Noland
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,740
Likes: 2
From: Winchester Virginia
It was my pleasure and thank you Sir!
Moog is probably the best option out there (within reason), I was looking for "Another" solution to the Moog and the TRW's fit the bill. Goodluck on your project and keep us informed!
As I get ready for another big freakin thread!
R/Noland Smith, Jr.
STSC(SS) USN Ret.
Moog is probably the best option out there (within reason), I was looking for "Another" solution to the Moog and the TRW's fit the bill. Goodluck on your project and keep us informed!
As I get ready for another big freakin thread!
R/Noland Smith, Jr.
STSC(SS) USN Ret.
Thank you Sir! After looking at your directions again, I think I figured out what I was doing wrong! By the way, those are some excellent writeups you have! Many Thanks!!
I ordered a set of Moog Ball joints, so hopefully they'll fit with no problem! They'll be here tomorrow, so we shall see!
Thanks again!
I ordered a set of Moog Ball joints, so hopefully they'll fit with no problem! They'll be here tomorrow, so we shall see!
Thanks again!
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Rocky Point New York
Don't Skimp On Replacement Lower Ball Joints
Set out to replace ball joints in my 94 vette and looking to save found a good deal on eBay. Everything was going smooth I even got a "Borrow" lower ball joint tool free from Advance Auto Parts, however the trouble started when trying to replace the lower BJ. The replacements lacked a chamfered edge like the original and would not go into the lower control arm without getting wedged. (FAP "Fine Auto Parts" Brand)I will go for the Moog replacement and hopefully button up the job. oh well thats the result of off shoring....
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 773
Likes: 2
From: Minneapolis MN
Set out to replace ball joints in my 94 vette and looking to save found a good deal on eBay. Everything was going smooth I even got a "Borrow" lower ball joint tool free from Advance Auto Parts, however the trouble started when trying to replace the lower BJ. The replacements lacked a chamfered edge like the original and would not go into the lower control arm without getting wedged. (FAP "Fine Auto Parts" Brand)I will go for the Moog replacement and hopefully button up the job. oh well thats the result of off shoring....
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 8
Yeah, and those also have new bushings as well as if you pull the control arm to replace the ball joint. You might as well replace the bushings as well since that would be the best time to do it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,110
Likes: 6
From: Red Sox Nation! RI
Epimax, Autozone has a free ball joint press tool rental, too. Not sure what the HF press looks like. Pops the old BJ out in 5 mins. Just make sure you line up the new one to go in straight and the press should do the rest.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
Likes: 515
From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
To remove it, a press will make things easier for you. Ti install you NEED a press. There is no way a "hand tool" is going to get the BJ in there...NO WAY
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 8
I agree a floor press would probably be the best to install the ball joint. The ball joint press worked fine for popping the old ball joint out of the control arm on my Firebird. But when trying to use it to install the ball joint, it just wanted to press the ball joint in crooked as it is hard to line everything up. And when you turn the screw, it can cause the ball joint press to move around.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,110
Likes: 6
From: Red Sox Nation! RI
There's no reason to have to remove the control arms just to replace a ball joint.
The ball joint press that Autozone rents works fine. I did both my lowers using it.
