Genuine Buick Century Ball Joint

Buick Century Ball Joint Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Stud Kit,Front Lower Control Arm Ball
  17983075
  Q: How to check and replace the lower ball joints on Buick Century?

  A:

  All 1975 and later vehicles feature visual wear indicators on the lower ball joints, with the grease plus screws inserted into the wear indicator that extends from the bottom of the ball joint housing. If the wear indicator is visible, the ball joint is in good condition; if it is parallel with or recessed into the housing, the ball joint is defective. For 1986-87 vehicles, a special ball joint installer tool is required. Begin by raising the front of the vehicle and supporting it on jackstands, then remove the wheel. Disconnect and remove the Shock Absorber, followed by the front stabilizer rod link and the brake reaction rod from the lower Control Arm. For safety and leverage, place a jack about 1/2 inch below the lower ball joint stud. Remove the ball stud cotter pin and loosen the nut slightly without removing it. Use a tool or tap the Steering Knuckle to separate the stud from the knuckle. Once separated, raise the jack against the control arm, remove the nut, and detach the steering knuckle from the tapered stud. Use a ball joint remover to extract the ball joint from the lower control arm. To install, reverse the process, tightening the castellated nut to 85-90 ft. lbs. for 1975-85 vehicles, ensuring alignment with the cotter pin hole. For 1986-87 vehicles, position the ball joint stud in the steering knuckle, install the tool, and tighten the operating nut to 40 ft. lbs., then remove the tool and tighten the nut to 81 ft. lbs., again ensuring proper alignment for the cotter pin.