Silverado SS AWD V8-6.0L VIN N (2003)
Ball Joint: Service and Repair
Front Suspension
Lower Ball Joint Replacement (Coil Spring Suspension)
LOWER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT (COIL SPRING SUSPENSION)
REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Remove the lower control arm.
4. Secure the lower control arm in a bench vice or equivalent.
5. Center punch the rivet heads.
6. Drill out the rivets.
7. Remove the lower ball joint.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Install the ball joint to the lower control arm.
2. Install the replacement bolts to the lower control arm.
3. Install the nuts to the bolts.
NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 70 N.m (52 lb ft).
4. Remove the lower control arm from the bench vice.
5. Install the lower control arm.
6. Install the tire and wheel tire assembly.
7. Remove the safety stands.
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment (With Rear Wheel Steering) Measuring Wheel Alignment (Without Rear Wheel
Steering) in Wheel Alignment.
Lower Ball Joint Replacement (Torsion Bar Suspension)
LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT (TORSION BAR SUSPENSION)
REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Remove the lower control arm.
4. Place the lower control arm in a bench vice.
5. Using a chisel, remove the securing crimps from the ball joint body, if equipped.
6. Using a press, remove the ball joint from the lower control arm.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
Important: Use the outer flange of the ball joint in order to press the ball joint into place.
1. Install the new ball joint using a press.
2. Place the lower control arm in a bench vice.
3. Using a punch, install crimps to the ball joint, if necessary. Use the replaced ball joint as a reference.
4. Install the lower control arm.
5. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
6. Remove the safety stands.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Verify the wheel alignment.
