How to replace the upper control arm and ball joint?
Place the large C-clamp from the kit over the cylinders. Use the ½-inch drive air gun and socket to push the ball joint out. Reverse the process to install the ball joint. Install the upper control arm in reverse order of removal.
When do I need to replace my upper control arm?
If you experienced a front-end accident and are hearing a rattle noise from your car or the car is old and has steering issues creating a thumping sound, the ball joint is damaged and this part needs to be replaced right away. There are a few reasons why you may need to replace your upper control arm.
How do you know if ball joints need to be replaced?
Inspect the ball joints to make sure they need to be replaced. Figure out if your vehicle’s got a strut-style suspension or a control arm, then check the ball joint by either jacking up the control arm near the ball joint to check for wheel play, or by jacking up the car and using a pry-bar to check for wheel play in a strut-style suspension.
What’s the difference between upper and lower control arms?
Both the lower and upper control arms have a ball joint, although the upper ball joint is often smaller. As the wheel drives over a bump, both arms swing up and down on rubber bushings following the wheel.
How to replace upper control arm ball joint?
Upper Ball Joint Replacement. This video will show you how to replace the Upper Control Arm Ball Joint on a Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, etc. Replacing a ball joint is fast and easy and can be done with basic hand tools and a ball joint press you can rent for free at your local parts store.
When do you replace ball joints can you just replace the ball?
If it is loose, then replace control arm. If it fits tight then you will need to remove the ball joint from control arm and see if a new ball joint will fit tight in the control arm or control arm still will need to be replaced.
When do the control arms need to be replaced?
Another reason to replace a control arm is when it has been damaged or bent after hitting a pothole or curb. The choice of whether to replace only a ball joint or bushings or the entire control arm often depends on the price, the overall condition of the arm and part availability. What is more cost-effective?
Both the lower and upper control arms have a ball joint, although the upper ball joint is often smaller. As the wheel drives over a bump, both arms swing up and down on rubber bushings following the wheel.