Ball joints.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 746
Likes: 65
From: Phoenix, AZ
Ball joints.
My broken transmission removal is revealing my worn-out parts. I think I'm going to replace everything...with a new C7!!!! Hah! Anyways...
I need ball joints in the rear. What's the latest wisdom? I researched this, as I do everything, but there is some conflicting information. The biggest conflict being whether the uppers should be replaced as a unit with the A-arm, or just replace the joint itself. I'm leaning towards replacing just the joint.
Hearsay aside, does anybody actually have personal experience with a problem related to replacing the upper ball joint? I understand why Chevy wants people to replace the entire unit, but there seems to be a lot of people who have done it without a problem.
I need ball joints in the rear. What's the latest wisdom? I researched this, as I do everything, but there is some conflicting information. The biggest conflict being whether the uppers should be replaced as a unit with the A-arm, or just replace the joint itself. I'm leaning towards replacing just the joint.
Hearsay aside, does anybody actually have personal experience with a problem related to replacing the upper ball joint? I understand why Chevy wants people to replace the entire unit, but there seems to be a lot of people who have done it without a problem.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
I had trouble getting some aftermarket ones in. Then I measured them and they were a few thousandths over sized. The Moog and AC Delco fit fine. If you cant find rear ball joints at your retailer then use front ones (The rear uses the same ball joints).
You might not be able to install the bottom ones if the car is on jack stands with the lower control arms installed due to ground clearance.
You might not be able to install the bottom ones if the car is on jack stands with the lower control arms installed due to ground clearance.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 746
Likes: 65
From: Phoenix, AZ
I had trouble getting some aftermarket ones in. Then I measured them and they were a few thousandths over sized. The Moog and AC Delco fit fine. If you cant find rear ball joints at your retailer then use front ones (The rear uses the same ball joints).
You might not be able to install the bottom ones if the car is on jack stands with the lower control arms installed due to ground clearance.
You might not be able to install the bottom ones if the car is on jack stands with the lower control arms installed due to ground clearance.
Thanks for the replies, I'm going to go ahead and replace just the joints and probably the control arm bushings as well.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
The OEM rubber bushings are not sold separately. They are cast into the control arms.
AFAIK your only option is polyurethane without replacing the control arms.
AFAIK your only option is polyurethane without replacing the control arms.
Last edited by Rob 02; Feb 18, 2017 at 05:34 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 746
Likes: 65
From: Phoenix, AZ
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...oint-part.html
Last edited by TorqueWinsRaces; Feb 19, 2017 at 12:40 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
I have some poly bushings I have been meaning to install as soon as I can get the down time. My old bushings have gotten soft. Now after an alignment, I am out of caster and camber adjustment and the car doesn't feel well planted. It bump steers from the front and rear.
New control arms cost a small fortune for all 8 and would only last as long as these have.
New control arms cost a small fortune for all 8 and would only last as long as these have.
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 101
Likes: 15
I'm in the same boat. I have everything on hand. Including Viking coilovers. I don't rear tie rods and mine seem sloppy. I guess I'll just break down and get them from Amazon.
I even ordered the ball joint tools to do the job.
I even ordered the ball joint tools to do the job.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 746
Likes: 65
From: Phoenix, AZ
I just ordered tie rod ends for the rear, upper and lower ball joints all the way around and new sway bar end links. I saved $100 using RockAuto over Amazon. Everything I ordered was Moog. Blew my mind. I've been using RockAuto quite a bit, they have some really competitive pricing.
Last edited by TorqueWinsRaces; Feb 19, 2017 at 01:04 PM.