OEM 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Ball Joint

2002 Chevrolet Camaro Ball Joint Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the upper ball joint on 2002 Chevrolet Camaro?

  A: First, one has to lift and support the vehicle, then remove the tire and wheel, and the floor jack has to be kept underneath the shock absorber mounting spot for the lower Control Arm to maintain the spring and lower Control Arm position. Next, position a floor jack beneath the position of the shock and mounting of defender onto the lower Control Arm, remove and discard the upper Control Arm cotter pin and then remove the upper Control Arm nut. Support the Steering Knuckle with a floor jack and perform the separation of the upper Ball Joint with the Steering Knuckle using the Ball Joint and tie rod end separator (J 39549). With the upper Control Arm in the lifted position, drill out the four rivets about 6mm (0.25 inch) deep with 1/8 inch drill bit, then drill out the heads of the rivet with 1/2 inch drill bit and punch out the rivets with a small punch in removing the upper Ball Joint. For installation, install the new upper Ball Joint loosely to the upper Control Arm remove the temporary support from the Steering Knuckle, aligned and install the upper Ball Joint to the Steering Knuckle, and install upper Control Arm nut finger tight. Install the upper Ball Joint service kit bolts and nuts, and then torque the upper Control Arm nut to some specifications (53 Nm - 39 ft. Lbs) without loosening it in order to align the cotter pin slot. Lastly, install a new upper Control Arm cotter pin, remove the floor jack from underneath the seat of the shock absorbers, put on the tire and wheel, and lower the vehicle.