Upper Ball Joint

[saxybill1]

Hello, I have a 91 Coupe that is in need of a upper ball joint on the driver's side. Is this a job that a layman can perform? I have the new ball joint ready to go in; however, I just want to make sure that I can do this before I begin. Any special tools needed?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[jmccloud]

Upper Ball Joint Removal

Support the car well (good jack stands, etc.) at the designated lifting points (look at the lip under the leading edge of the door) and make sure the lower 'A' arm is supported from below, separately from the main support for the car. A good jack under the lower 'A' arm makes moving everything up and down easier.
Use a 'pickle fork' (about $10) and a big hammer to separate the joint after removing the cotter pin and castle nut but before grinding the rivets.
I used a right angle, high speed grinder (about $50) to remove the tops of the rivets. Many years ago, we knocked the rivet tops off with a chisel. The grinder is much easier. The new joint will bolt in.
Have it aligned afterwards.

 

[PLRX]

Upper Ball J are easy, follow the instructions in the Haynes service manual, a tip, you will not be able to punch-out the rivets. Detach the wish bone from the Corvette (ensure you save the alignment chimes) and grind them to the aluminum, then punch them out. Use thread lock in the new joints, torque them, grease them and you will be on bussiness.

The bottom joints are a major project. Just thinking about it gives me a head spin!

Good Luck