Upper Ball Joints
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: NH
Upper Ball Joints
I have to replace both of the upper balljoints in my 93 LT1 coupe. I have read that Corvette Recyclers has the upper arm assembly, but it is $100 more than the ball joint by itself. I also have to buy a set of tires so money is a little tight. Is it worth the additional $100 (times 2) for the upper arm assembly vs just replacing the ball joints? It looks like the lowers are the PIA to replace, not so much the uppers. It has been a long time since I have had to replace a ball joint. Where is the upper ball joint pressed in, the control arm or spindle (or both)? If it is pressed in the spindle, it seems I will have to deal with that either way and I will only have to cut the rivets to take the joint out of the upper arm. Will I need a press or can I tap it out? I would really like to save $200, but not if it is going to take me all weekend.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,649
Likes: 863
Your choice on if it's worthwhile or not. I've done the 2 upper ball joints - it takes a little while - but it isn't hard to do. Drill out the center of the rivets, but don't drill out all the rivet material out (if you don't drill perfectly down the centerline, you will drill the upper control arm) - then use a punch to drive the remaining part of the old rivet out. The new ball joints have good old fashined nuts and bolts.
If you do it - just take your time and go slow.
It's a nice time to put poly bushings in the upper arms, but that is a bit trickier to do...
If you do it - just take your time and go slow.
It's a nice time to put poly bushings in the upper arms, but that is a bit trickier to do...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: NH
Just got it back from the inspection and it looks like there are already nuts and bolts in there so the decision just got a lot easier. Tires are going to be ~$900 after installation, balance, alignment, etc so I can really use the $200. Thanks for the advice guys.
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 417
Likes: 2
From: Blacksburg Virginia
The ones I bought had nuts and bolts, but no gasket or spacer plate as shown in the picture of some of the Moog or AC Delco brands. So does the plate do anything for you as far as safety or is it just there to prevent gouging the aluminum?