QuestionHi! I started the replacement of the passenger side ball joint on my 98 grand prix with the 3.1 and soon realized it is set up different than the one on my old crown vic. I have the castle nut off the ball stud and the 3 nuts off the bolts through the control arm but then i started taking out those 3 bolts and began thinking that it looks like there's some pressure from the spring and if I remove the ball joint from it's current position things may shift around and I won't be able to easily get them back. Am I looking at it wrong and this won't be a problem, or will if be if I don't do it right? and if that's the case, how do I do it right? basically, what's the proper sequence of steps to take to correctly replace that stupid ball joint? THANKS VERY MUCH!!!!!!
AnswerHi
here is the EXACT procedure from GM SI.
Remove the lower control arm.
(((((((((((( Turn the steering wheel in order to move the front of the applicable wheel to the outboard most position.
Important: Use ONLY a frame-contact type vehicle lift or a floor jack at the recommended lift points. Do NOT use a suspension-contact type vehicle lift. Do NOT lift the vehicle by the lower control arms.
Raise and support the vehicle.
Remove the tire and wheel.
Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector (2).
Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor jumper harness from the harness retainer clips.
Remove the stabilizer shaft link.
Remove the cotter pin from the ball stud .
Loosen the ball stud nut.
Install the ball joint seperator over the ball stud and lower control arm .
Rotate the ball stud nut counterclockwise in order to separate the ball stud from the steering knuckle.
Remove the lower control arm bolts and nuts.
Remove the lower control arm.)))))))))))))))))))))
Secure the lower control arm in a vice.
Drill or grind off the ball stud rivet heads.
Use a hammer and a drift punch in order to remove the rivets.
Remove the ball stud from the lower control arm.
I Hope this helps
Pawl
