Pressing out lower control arm balljoint

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chevrol8t

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Okay still getting used to my first and new (to me ;) ) 2000 Tahoe. One thing I quickly noticed was that In my attempting to do a service today (new upper control arm, sway bar link, inner outer tie rods an of course lower ball joints) I noticed that my lower control arm balljoint look like it cannot be pressed out. There seem to be a metal ring around the ball joint that would keep the balljoint from being pressed out. I heard that there are some control arms that is permanently pressed and would require a whole new lower assembly.

I have a feeling I know the answer to this question so I will just need confirmation.

Here is a stock photo


I can't pressed this out can I?

s-l1600.jpg
 

osiris94ej

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it presses out the other direction. That is the top of the ball-joint. They press up from the bottom.
 
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chevrol8t

chevrol8t

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All my vehicles was always riveted or bolt on ball joints so I'm new to the press on game.

Thanks again!
 
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chevrol8t

chevrol8t

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Is there a write up on how to remove the lower ball joint from the bottom up?
 

osiris94ej

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I guess my info was wrong on my previous reply. They are just a pita. I don't remember having a hard time the last time and just used a harbor freight ball joint press. It's been a few years since I've replaced ball joints on a full size truck working for honda.

http://www.thehulltruth.com/trucks-trailers/267331-diy-balljoints-04-silverado-1500-4wd.html

I found this link with a step by step guide. For a Silverado but will have the same suspension setup.


Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
 
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chevrol8t

chevrol8t

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Got it and thanks for the update! Still wondering about that metal ring around the ball joint. I wish I knew if this person had to knock the metal ring off first or would it just collapse in on itself once the ball joint is forced out?

Thanks again!
 

nharkey85

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I've had a buddy was told they weren't serviceable. He got a new lower arm with replaceable ball joint for a little over $100. The new ball joint had a snap ring on it.
 

Rocket Man

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I know that when I bought my Moog control arms, they sold 2 different ones, the cheaper ones with non-replaceable ball joints and the more expensive ones with replaceable ball joints.
 

Aaron_L

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The ball joints I removed from my Suburban had a snap ring on them. The replacement ones did as well.
 

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