The ball joint on a 2002 Chevy Silverado serves several functions. One function, when operating properly, is to keep the tires flat on the ground as the rest of the suspension moves in relation to the terrain. The second function is to act as the pivot point for the wheels to turn when the steering wheel is turned. The ball joint is a ball and socket-style joint, much like a human shoulder or hip. Over time, the socket can begin to wear out, and the connection becomes loose, allowing the tires to move freely in small increments.
Loosen, but do not remove, the lug nuts from the affected wheel.
Raise the front of the vehicle with a jack.
Support the vehicle on jack stands and remove the floor jack.
Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel from the vehicle.
Look at the upper control arm, the triangular metal component at the top of the front suspension.
Examine the part of the control arm closest to the wheel and locate the ball joint. The ball joint has a circular metal cap on top of the arm and a threaded stud that goes through the control arm. Depending on the ball joint's condition, there may be a rubber boot on the stud portion; if excessively worn, the rubber boot may be missing.
Look on the outside edges of the ball joint cap and locate the three metal rivets that hold it in place on the control arm.
Drill through the rivets with an electric drill and a 1/8-inch drill bit.
Drill the rivets out of the ball joint. Punch out any remaining fragments of the rivet with a hammer and center punch.
Trace the threaded stud of the ball joint downward until you locate the cotter pin. This pin is about 3 inches long, runs through the stud and the end will be bent around the stud to secure it.
Place the floor jack under the lower control arm and jack it up just enough to support the lower suspension.
Straighten the cotter pin with a pair of needle-nosed pliers then grab the looped end of the pin and pull it from the stud.
Loosen and remove the ball joint nut with the ratchet and socket.
Place the wedged end of the ball joint separator between the metal cap of the ball joint and the control arm. Hit the flat end of the separator with a hammer until the joint is separated from the control arm.
Pull the ball joint out of the control arm.
