Ball Joint replacement, WHAT WOULD U DO?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
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From: Fords, NJ
Ball Joint replacement, WHAT WOULD U DO?
Buy new knuckles and lower control arms or chance pressing out the old and pressing in new ?
I know they can be a little tricky when it comes to Aluminum.
Press them in a little cocked and you risk either enlarging the hole or worse....breaking the piece
Can't decide.....
I know they can be a little tricky when it comes to Aluminum.
Press them in a little cocked and you risk either enlarging the hole or worse....breaking the piece
Can't decide.....
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,394
Likes: 1,136
From: Dyer, IN
Buy new knuckles and lower control arms or chance pressing out the old and pressing in new ?
I know they can be a little tricky when it comes to Aluminum.
Press them in a little cocked and you risk either enlarging the hole or worse....breaking the piece
Can't decide.....
I know they can be a little tricky when it comes to Aluminum.
Press them in a little cocked and you risk either enlarging the hole or worse....breaking the piece
Can't decide.....
1) Not confident in your abilities
2) Lack the proper tools/equipment
3) Combo of 1 and 2
If that's the case, you have two choices:
1) Buy new assemblies
2) Have your assemblies rebuilt by a qualified shop
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
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From: Fords, NJ
#1- Plenty confident in my abilties
#2- If I do the work at home I don't have a ball joint press.
If I do the work at my place of employment on the weekend I have
access to a Hyd. Press My only concern is that "What if" factor.
If something goes wrong at work I'll have to have it flat beded home.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Shawnee Kansas
I've always used a ball joint press and never had a problem on steel or aluminum. I don't have any experience trying to use a hydraulic press for ball joints.
I know Harbor Freight sells ball joint presses on the cheep.
I know Harbor Freight sells ball joint presses on the cheep.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,394
Likes: 1,136
From: Dyer, IN
Answers to:
#1- Plenty confident in my abilties
#2- If I do the work at home I don't have a ball joint press.
If I do the work at my place of employment on the weekend I have
access to a Hyd. Press My only concern is that "What if" factor.
If something goes wrong at work I'll have to have it flat beded home.
#1- Plenty confident in my abilties
#2- If I do the work at home I don't have a ball joint press.
If I do the work at my place of employment on the weekend I have
access to a Hyd. Press My only concern is that "What if" factor.
If something goes wrong at work I'll have to have it flat beded home.
Last edited by lucky131969; Oct 26, 2011 at 08:56 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,315
Likes: 1,585
From: Western NY
Answers to:
#1- Plenty confident in my abilties
#2- If I do the work at home I don't have a ball joint press.
If I do the work at my place of employment on the weekend I have
access to a Hyd. Press My only concern is that "What if" factor.
If something goes wrong at work I'll have to have it flat beded home.
#1- Plenty confident in my abilties
#2- If I do the work at home I don't have a ball joint press.
If I do the work at my place of employment on the weekend I have
access to a Hyd. Press My only concern is that "What if" factor.
If something goes wrong at work I'll have to have it flat beded home.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,394
Likes: 1,136
From: Dyer, IN
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Team Owner
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From: Western NY
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
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From: Fords, NJ
To answer all of the above :
leadfoot4: Its not a DD so that wouldn't be a problem. However I do not have a garage so it would have to be done on jackstands in the driveway.
My car now has 54k on the clock so I think it's due as I already had to replace the tie rod ends and sway bar links. Being I have to ALSO replace the right side knuckle I figured I might as well do it all while it's apart.
Junkyard Dog: I looked up the press on Harbor Freight and I see 2 different types. Which one would be best suited for what I want to do.
It's so damn long since I worked in a Garage in my "yute" and used one I really don't remember
http://www.harborfreight.com/four-wh...-kit-4065.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-1-...kit-38335.html
The reason I included the 4 WD version is I got a 4 x 4 Silverado and it could also be used on that as well
leadfoot4: Its not a DD so that wouldn't be a problem. However I do not have a garage so it would have to be done on jackstands in the driveway.
My car now has 54k on the clock so I think it's due as I already had to replace the tie rod ends and sway bar links. Being I have to ALSO replace the right side knuckle I figured I might as well do it all while it's apart.
Junkyard Dog: I looked up the press on Harbor Freight and I see 2 different types. Which one would be best suited for what I want to do.
It's so damn long since I worked in a Garage in my "yute" and used one I really don't remember
http://www.harborfreight.com/four-wh...-kit-4065.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-1-...kit-38335.html
The reason I included the 4 WD version is I got a 4 x 4 Silverado and it could also be used on that as well
Last edited by SG Lou; Oct 27, 2011 at 12:25 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 4
From: Slidell La
I always figure if it is broken I can't hurt it. I would buy the joints press them in. If I broke the alum. arm then I would buy a new arm with joints.
But I have passed the fling test. In 1975 I bought my 1st corvette. Red 64 conv white top / interior. 327 300 4 speed. Great car.
One day I broke off the shifter nut on the 3/4 gear arm. The manual says you can't do it in the car. I did with only about 2" of space. However after 3 hrs of frustration the wife came down the steps to see the side cover on the Muncie fly across the yard like a frizbee.
A little clean up and it did fit. 2 yrs later I rebuilt the entire tranny.
SO yes you can do it especially if you buy the ball joint press previous shown.
JUST an FYI my wife drives a E500 mercedes with airmatic suspension and I have never changed an airbag system on the MB and it is complicated with the computer system. But this weekend I will have a new air spring and I will install it and it will work. I figure if the can do it in Germany I can do it in bayou country. Not too bad for over 65 senior citizen.
But I have passed the fling test. In 1975 I bought my 1st corvette. Red 64 conv white top / interior. 327 300 4 speed. Great car.
One day I broke off the shifter nut on the 3/4 gear arm. The manual says you can't do it in the car. I did with only about 2" of space. However after 3 hrs of frustration the wife came down the steps to see the side cover on the Muncie fly across the yard like a frizbee.
A little clean up and it did fit. 2 yrs later I rebuilt the entire tranny.
SO yes you can do it especially if you buy the ball joint press previous shown.
JUST an FYI my wife drives a E500 mercedes with airmatic suspension and I have never changed an airbag system on the MB and it is complicated with the computer system. But this weekend I will have a new air spring and I will install it and it will work. I figure if the can do it in Germany I can do it in bayou country. Not too bad for over 65 senior citizen.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
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From: Fords, NJ
So I have been shopping for Ball Joints. I wanted to get Moog and found out that most places only have the Lower joints available.
Now comes the strange part.
Moogs part # is K6537 which list's, according to the Moog catalog
as fitting :
CADILLAC XLR 2009-2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2010-1997
Part Type Part # Comment Qty
Ball Joint K6537 BASE MODEL; Front Lower 2
K500134 BASE MODEL; Front Upper 2
Ya with me so far?
Ok now we go to Ebay :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moog-K6537-L...item1c200afc3c
Go to the Parts Compatabilty Chart and it lists this part as fitting
1997 thru 2001, 2005 thru 2010
What happened to 2002, 03 & 04 ?
So I call a place up locally and they confirm that K6537 will not fit
02 thru 04
This part is not compatible with 2004 Chevrolet Corvette Base
From what I have found Moog is the only one that can ge greased.
Everything I tried to find is non-greasable, unless i want to buy those *** 49.99 for 2 imports.
So I may have no choice but to buy the Raybestos Professional Line:
Raybestos 500-1128 Upper Ball Joint & Raybestos 505-1339 Lower Ball Joint which neither one is greaseable
I can't win.....
Now comes the strange part.
Moogs part # is K6537 which list's, according to the Moog catalog
as fitting :
CADILLAC XLR 2009-2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2010-1997
Part Type Part # Comment Qty
Ball Joint K6537 BASE MODEL; Front Lower 2
K500134 BASE MODEL; Front Upper 2
Ya with me so far?
Ok now we go to Ebay :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moog-K6537-L...item1c200afc3c
Go to the Parts Compatabilty Chart and it lists this part as fitting
1997 thru 2001, 2005 thru 2010
What happened to 2002, 03 & 04 ?
So I call a place up locally and they confirm that K6537 will not fit
02 thru 04
This part is not compatible with 2004 Chevrolet Corvette Base
From what I have found Moog is the only one that can ge greased.
Everything I tried to find is non-greasable, unless i want to buy those *** 49.99 for 2 imports.
So I may have no choice but to buy the Raybestos Professional Line:
Raybestos 500-1128 Upper Ball Joint & Raybestos 505-1339 Lower Ball Joint which neither one is greaseable
I can't win.....
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Shawnee Kansas
@SG Lou
I like the first link as it appears to have more adapters. I have yet to do ball joints on a Vette so I can't say for certain that kit has the right adapters. You may need to buy this also...
http://www.harborfreight.com/14-piec...set-66958.html
Both the ball joint press and the adapter kit are great investments. The ball joint press can also be used to change U-Joints on your truck.
I like the first link as it appears to have more adapters. I have yet to do ball joints on a Vette so I can't say for certain that kit has the right adapters. You may need to buy this also...
http://www.harborfreight.com/14-piec...set-66958.html
Both the ball joint press and the adapter kit are great investments. The ball joint press can also be used to change U-Joints on your truck.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,315
Likes: 1,585
From: Western NY
@SG Lou
I like the first link as it appears to have more adapters. I have yet to do ball joints on a Vette so I can't say for certain that kit has the right adapters. You may need to buy this also...
http://www.harborfreight.com/14-piec...set-66958.html
Both the ball joint press and the adapter kit are great investments. The ball joint press can also be used to change U-Joints on your truck.
I like the first link as it appears to have more adapters. I have yet to do ball joints on a Vette so I can't say for certain that kit has the right adapters. You may need to buy this also...
http://www.harborfreight.com/14-piec...set-66958.html
Both the ball joint press and the adapter kit are great investments. The ball joint press can also be used to change U-Joints on your truck.
The press I have closely resembles the second tool in the link, but it appears that the only real difference with the Harbor Freight tools, is the number of adapters you get. I'd go with the 4 wheel drive tool, cause it has meor sleeves.
"SG", I understand that working in the driveway can be a real pain, and I know this from past experience. At least, however, the weather in Fords, NJ isn't as bad as it can get here in western NY. (although I've spent 90% of my life here, due to a job transfer by my father, I'm originally from Perth Amboy...)
Good luck with the job......and I'd stick with Moog parts!
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 4
From: Slidell La
For ball joint replacement buy the best you can get. I would stay away from "foreign". Moog and Rayb are both good ones. I would not be afraid to buy the non greasable to get a top line ball joint. I do agree however I do prefer to grease them but my diesel truck with 162,000 miles still have the origional non greasable joints.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
For ball joint replacement buy the best you can get. I would stay away from "foreign". Moog and Rayb are both good ones. I would not be afraid to buy the non greasable to get a top line ball joint. I do agree however I do prefer to grease them but my diesel truck with 162,000 miles still have the original non greasable joints.
If I have no choice I'll go with the Raybestos non greasable one's.
It's not a DD and I highly doubt I'll put another 50k on the clock.
I'll probably be dead before that happens
I'm trying to stay away from those imported $49.99 a pair stuff they are selling on Ebay and for that matter I found out most of the after market suppliers such as Corvette Central, Ecklers, Corvette America and Mid America sell the imported stuff. I checked
I have already contacted a member on a right hand knuckle and I'm awaiting word from him. If he doesn't get back to me I'll be in touch !
Last edited by SG Lou; Oct 28, 2011 at 06:43 PM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
I asked C4/C5 specialist Paul Koerner about replacement Ball Joints.
I wasn't too surprised at his answer.
" Hi Lou,
This is what I have.
There have been 3 redesigns of the control arms and ball joint assemblies.
It is also true that in the GM catalog, you have to dig to determine that the latest part numbers will fit and correctly serve all 1997-2004 vehicles in Corvette.
LF lower 10326693
RF lower 10326694
LF upper 10356436
RF upper 10356438
Now, as far as pressing in new ball joints, Corvette engineering has explained to me that when the new joints are pressed in, a distortion occurs which weakens the press fit and results in joints loosening from the control arm.
This is why GM never offered the joint separately, because there is NOTHING that can correctly install the joint without stressing the arm points and result in a safety concern.
Allthebest, Paul "
I wasn't too surprised at his answer.
" Hi Lou,
This is what I have.
There have been 3 redesigns of the control arms and ball joint assemblies.
It is also true that in the GM catalog, you have to dig to determine that the latest part numbers will fit and correctly serve all 1997-2004 vehicles in Corvette.
LF lower 10326693
RF lower 10326694
LF upper 10356436
RF upper 10356438
Now, as far as pressing in new ball joints, Corvette engineering has explained to me that when the new joints are pressed in, a distortion occurs which weakens the press fit and results in joints loosening from the control arm.
This is why GM never offered the joint separately, because there is NOTHING that can correctly install the joint without stressing the arm points and result in a safety concern.
Allthebest, Paul "
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
I don't think the knuckle part numbers are included. The lower control arm has the ball joint pressed into it. There is no ball joint in the upper control arm as the ball joint is pressed into the knuckle