Ball joints replacement

Tiny
BOGNERKYLE
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET 2500
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
When I was trying to replace the upper ball joint I took it out of the control arm first and than the knuckle fell. I went to put it back up in the control arm and now it wont go back in and stays at an angle. I think I pulled the CV shaft out too far when it fell out.
Wednesday, February 20th, 2019 AT 9:42 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good afternoon,

When you did this, did the outer or inner joint come apart?

Can you tell which joint is extended?

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 20th, 2019 AT 10:33 AM
Tiny
BOGNERKYLE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Inner.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 20th, 2019 AT 10:34 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
I found a picture of the inner joint which is the most common for coming out.

The axle would have to be removed to put it back together.

Roy
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 20th, 2019 AT 10:36 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
I see I got a response but nothing showed up.

Can you resend?

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 20th, 2019 AT 10:40 AM
Tiny
BOGNERKYLE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It was the inner part and still won’t go on straight to where it goes under the control arm (upper ball joint).
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, February 21st, 2019 AT 6:58 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Is the inner joint back together?

Do you mean it will not go back into the truck for mounting?

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, February 21st, 2019 AT 7:00 AM
Tiny
BOGNERKYLE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I was trying to do the upper and lower ball joints. I unbolted the top ball joint to where it goes to the control arm the four bolts then it popped out and now it won’t go back in to where I can bolt the upper ball joint to the control arm. Like I can push the rotor and spin it to where I think the CV shaft is lined up but it still won’t go back.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, February 21st, 2019 AT 7:03 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Got that.

Again, did you get the inner joint back in place?

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, February 21st, 2019 AT 7:08 AM
Tiny
BOGNERKYLE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
No I didn't. I have no idea how to. I was thinking about unbolting the CV shaft then sliding it back in.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, February 21st, 2019 AT 7:33 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
I sent a diagram for you about how it is set up.

You will not be able to get the suspension back together until you get the inner joint back together.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, February 21st, 2019 AT 7:50 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Ball Joint Replace/Remove Content

Ball Taper Joint Release
GUIDE
Ball Taper Joint Release
The car must be jacked up off the ground and supported on jack stands. You may need to remove the wheel to be able to access the ball joint more freely. There are two...