How to Replace a 1985 4WD Suburban Ball Joints

The 1985 Chevrolet 4WD Suburban comes equipped with ball joints connecting each of the front wheels to the steering linkage underneath it. The ball joints are situated in between both the steering knuckle and the Suburban's lower control arm. You should replace the ball joints if they ever begin to malfunction, as they are required to steer your Suburban properly. You can replace the ball joints in under an hour using the appropriate tools.

Instructions

1

Place the jack underneath the Suburban in between the front and back wheels. There is a metal bracket under which you can place the jack. Do not place the jack underneath the body of the Suburban, or you may risk cracking it. Remove the lug nuts from the front wheels with a wheel wrench. Place the wheel wrench onto the lug nut and rotate the wheel wrench to the left. This process will loosen the nut. Repeat with all six nuts on the tire.

2

Raise the Suburban and remove the front wheels. Position two jack stands at the front of the Suburban.

3

Remove the cotter pin from the steering knuckle with pliers. Loosen the ball stud nut using a socket wrench. Place the socket wrench on the nut and rotate it to the left to loosen it. Use a ball joint fork to separate the ball joint from the Suburban's steering knuckle. Place the ball joint fork on the ball joint itself and apply pressure to snap it off the steering knuckle.

4

Uninstall the four bolts from the ball joint using a socket wrench. Remove the Suburban's ball joint from its lower control arm.

5

Place the new ball joint onto the lower control arm. Settle it between the arm and the steering knuckle. Use a socket wrench to reinstall the four bolts. Place the socket wrench onto the bolts and rotate the wrench to the right to secure the bolts.

6

Reconnect the ball joint to the steering knuckle and tighten the ball stud nut. Use a ball joint fork to snap the ball joint back into the steering knuckle. Use a socket wrench to tighten the ball stud nut. Reattach the cotter pin using a pair of pliers.

7

Remove the jack stands, reattach the front wheels and lower the Suburban. Place the front wheels onto their initial position. Place the wheel nuts back onto the tires and tighten them using the wheel wrench.