Best DIY balljoint tool for C5 upper?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Best DIY balljoint tool for C5 upper?
What is the best tool for both removal and install of upper front balljoints?
I was trying to lower my front (2001 Z06)and was doing the bushing trim which required removing the bolts to get access. In doing so, I tried to remove the pass upper balljoint nut and it seized at the end of the threads (corrosion on the threads-even used PB Blaster before moving the nut) and the allen hole stripped out on me!!
Had to cut the shaft to get the upper control free of the seized bbj and steering knuckle.
I now need a new balljoint, going Raybestos from Rock Auto, and some advice on what tool might work good for a DIY garage job for the removal and install. Ive seen Kent-Moore J-42188-B recommended, but this looks like a removal only. I would also like to install it on my own in the garage without any further dismantling.
Ive done lots of searching but no clear answer on this.
Appreciate any replies.
B.
I was trying to lower my front (2001 Z06)and was doing the bushing trim which required removing the bolts to get access. In doing so, I tried to remove the pass upper balljoint nut and it seized at the end of the threads (corrosion on the threads-even used PB Blaster before moving the nut) and the allen hole stripped out on me!!
Had to cut the shaft to get the upper control free of the seized bbj and steering knuckle.I now need a new balljoint, going Raybestos from Rock Auto, and some advice on what tool might work good for a DIY garage job for the removal and install. Ive seen Kent-Moore J-42188-B recommended, but this looks like a removal only. I would also like to install it on my own in the garage without any further dismantling.
Ive done lots of searching but no clear answer on this.
Appreciate any replies.
B.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 100
Likes: 81
From: Katy TX
I borrowed a ball joint press from O'Reilly. It works on both the upper and lower ball joints for removal and install.
It's also recommended to heat the aluminum spindle on both the removal and install to give a little extra room. I used a propane torch. Otherwise, material can be removed and the press fit won't be as tight as necessary. It also helps to keep the new balljoint in the freezer overnight prior to install.
It's not a hard job - but you'll need to take the spindle off the car to hold it securely. I used a bench vise.
Good luck!
It's also recommended to heat the aluminum spindle on both the removal and install to give a little extra room. I used a propane torch. Otherwise, material can be removed and the press fit won't be as tight as necessary. It also helps to keep the new balljoint in the freezer overnight prior to install.
It's not a hard job - but you'll need to take the spindle off the car to hold it securely. I used a bench vise.
Good luck!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,375
Likes: 33
From: Shelby Township MI
I got the Raybestos from Rock Auto two years ago. It was some Korean branch instead. (Actually a former German brand that was purchased buy a Korean company). I had to use it and has about 5K on it. Seems fine. Have you looked at Moog?
I frozen the ball joint over night and heated the A frame with a heat gun. It popped out using the heat and a Ball Joint Press from Advance Auto. Used heat and the press to get it back in. I used my impact gun on the press and it made quick work.
I found this method in the Auto Cross section I believe. There are plenty of write ups and ball joint recommendations there for the C5.
I frozen the ball joint over night and heated the A frame with a heat gun. It popped out using the heat and a Ball Joint Press from Advance Auto. Used heat and the press to get it back in. I used my impact gun on the press and it made quick work.
I found this method in the Auto Cross section I believe. There are plenty of write ups and ball joint recommendations there for the C5.
Last edited by jgump; Apr 7, 2013 at 09:47 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
I got the Raybestos from Rock Auto two years ago. It was some Korean branch instead. (Actually a former German brand that was purchased buy a Korean company). I had to use it and has about 5K on it. Seems fine. Have you looked at Moog?
I frozen the ball joint over night and heated the A frame with a heat gun. It popped out using the heat and a Ball Joint Press from Advance Auto. Used heat and the press to get it back in. I used my impact gun on the press and it made quick work.
I found this method in the Auto Cross section I believe. There are plenty of write ups and ball joint recommendations there for the C5.
I frozen the ball joint over night and heated the A frame with a heat gun. It popped out using the heat and a Ball Joint Press from Advance Auto. Used heat and the press to get it back in. I used my impact gun on the press and it made quick work.
I found this method in the Auto Cross section I believe. There are plenty of write ups and ball joint recommendations there for the C5.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Good stuff. Thanks for the advice. I'll certainly follow it. Somewhat similar to getting C3 control arm bushings installed, spending a little time in the freezer. 
Im planning to use the Kent-Moore J-42188-B to remove with some heat and the C-clamp installer tool with heat on the arms and balljoint from the freezer. This will be with the steering knuckle on the car.
Im planning to use the Kent-Moore J-42188-B to remove with some heat and the C-clamp installer tool with heat on the arms and balljoint from the freezer. This will be with the steering knuckle on the car.
