Chevrolet 15659722 Ball Joint

To check the upper balljoint, loosen lug nuts, raise the front of the vehicle, support it on jackstands, apply the parking brake, and remove the wheel. Place a jack under the lower control arm, raise slightly, and watch for movement at the balljoint, indicating wear. For the lower balljoint, measure the distance between the tip of the balljoint stud and the grease fitting, lower the jack, and remeasure. A difference exceeding 3/32-inch means replacement is needed. To replace on 2WD models, remove the brake caliper, separate the balljoint from the steering knuckle, drill out the rivets, and install the new balljoint with supplied nuts and bolts. For lower balljoint, take the control arm to a shop for pressing out and in the balljoint. Inspect steering knuckle holes for damage, reconnect balljoints, tighten nuts to torque, install grease fittings, lubricate, and reinstall wheels. The alignment should be checked by a dealer. For 4WD models, procedures are similar, with additional steps including removing the splash shield, disconnecting the tie-rod, removing the drive axle, drilling out rivets, supporting the lower control arm, separating and installing the balljoint, and loading the torsion bar. Finally, reconnect tie-rod, install splash shield, and tighten lug nuts to specified torque.