So I went down to the local crappie tire today with my 03 cavie and the mechanic said, "I need to replace both of the ball joints, and the bearing on the drivers side". I understand that replacing the entire control arm is cheaper in the long run, but this newbie needs a how to for dummies.
Im clueless as to where to even start with the bearing and the same goes for the control arm, So can anyone help me out?
If your clueless I would pay someone to do it... Ball Joints and bearings are not ignorant friendly items to change.
Buildin' n' Boostin for 08' - Alex Richards
I've seen a few pictorials for work to be done. Can anyone post a link?
Go buy a *repair*/service manual for $15.....
you need to know how to change brakes. then you can do everything else. front that point it all falls into place.. but get yourself a haynes book.
Just FYI the front wheel bearings can seize up in the knuckle and be a living whore to get out. Mine did. I ended pulling off the knuckle of beating it out from the rear with a sledge hammer.......
and if your car has never had the ball joints replaced, they are RIVETED in. be prepared for some lengthy drilling sessions.
JBO Stickers! Get yours today!
i would go the whole arm route, new bushing probably wouldnt hurt wither and would save the drilling. They really arent that had but make sure you torque the control arms bolt correctly or youll end up with an annoying clunk.
Almost need an air hammer to get the rivets off, drilling will take all day.
Is this vehicle rusted.....like someone else said the assembly will seize to the knuckle......if it is really rusty it may not even slide off the axle well.
If you dont know what your doing just pay someone who does.
- 2004 Cavalier - 124k, owned since new
Unlike what some people have said drilling the rivets really isn't that bad and can be done fairly quickly. Just get the proper metal bit and make sure its sharp once you have the head partially drilled out you can take a chisel and a hammer and knock the sucker right off.
Whats up people?
were lame and have broke ass tool lol
It really takes a good sharp high speed steel bit (or two...) at a lower speed with WD40 to keep it cool and backing off to let the chips out, or it dulls fast as heck.
Or step up a couple bit sizes at a time starting at something small like an 1/8".
TheSundownFire (GME Chat) wrote:Just FYI the front wheel bearings can seize up in the knuckle and be a living whore to get out. Mine did. I ended pulling off the knuckle of beating it out from the rear with a sledge hammer.......
this, it's alot of fun.......
blucavvy wrote:TheSundownFire (GME Chat) wrote:Just FYI the front wheel bearings can seize up in the knuckle and be a living whore to get out. Mine did. I ended pulling off the knuckle of beating it out from the rear with a sledge hammer.......
this, it's alot of fun.......
I had to drive 2 hours back to college that day too. Great times. It didnt even fix my problem either.
I just did the riveted stocker ball joints out of my 01 cavalier, Yes they are PITA, You know got got them out. I used a grinder, Power drill, Brass punch to pop out the rivets. Wheel Bearing were easy, Second time replacing em, Not a problem.
Good Luck.
