OEM 2000 Chevrolet Express 3500 Ball Joint

2000 Chevrolet Express 3500 Ball Joint Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: What tools are required to service and repair the ball joint with heavy-duty suspension on 2000 Chevrolet Express 3500?

  A: You will require the Ball Joint separator tool with item number j23742 to service and fix the heavy-duty suspension Ball Joint. Use safety stands to raise the vehicle before the floor jack positions under the lower Control Arm during installation to avoid dangers. Place the floor jack under the lower Control Arm to support it during work before taking off the tire and wheel. Secure the brake caliper using wire as a support. You should first extract the brake caliper right after taking the wheel speed sensor harness bracket bolts and nut from their positions on top of the upper Control Arm. Start by center punching the rivets where the Ball Joint connects to the Control Arm. After that, drill 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) deep holes at the center of each rivet using a 3.175 mm (1/8 inch) drill. Keep drilling and remove the rivet heads with a 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) drill. Press the rivets out with a small pin punch and take away both the cotter pin and nut afterward. The Ball Joint separator tool j23742 lets you disconnect the Ball Joint from the Steering Knuckle. Next remove the separator and grasp the knuckle stud to free the Ball Joint. Fit the new upper Ball Joint to the upper Control Arm then connect its four bolts and nuts and tighten the upper Ball Joint retaining nuts to 24 nm (18 ft. Lbs.). Fasten the upper Ball Joint to the Steering Knuckle by torquing the nut to 100 nm (74 ft-lbs). Thread a new cotter pin into the slot of the nut while placing its end through the stud until it reaches the correct alignment. Bend the cotter pin as a lock system for the Ball Joint and add the grease fitting to apply lubricant when available. Fasten the sleeve that holds the wheel sensor wiring harness at the Control Arm by threading the retaining bolt to 17 nm (13 ft. Lbs.). Put back the front brake caliper and mount the tire and wheel system. Last, test all suspension components for proper clearance and take the safety stands off to let the vehicle down before examining front wheel alignment.