How to Replace the Lower Ball Joints on a 2002 S-10

The lower ball joints of your 2002 Chevrolet S-10 truck are located on the control arm of the steering linkage, underneath the truck. The lower ball joints act as a connector between the tires and steering system. If you wish to replace your S-10's ball joints, you will need to lift the truck with a jack in order to access them. Thankfully, the replacement process is fairly straightforward and should not take more than one hour to complete.

Instructions

1

Lift up the S-10 using a jack and support it with jack stands. Make sure the truck is properly supported and secured.

2

Remove the wheel assembly on the side of the truck on which you will be replacing the lower ball joint. Use a wheel wrench to remove the nuts and pull the wheel off the truck.

3

Support the lower control arm of the S-10 with a floor jack. Using a socket wrench, remove the drive axle bolts and pull the drive axle off the control arm.

4

Disconnect the caliper assembly and move it out of the way. With pliers, remove the cotter pin. Remove the nut from the ball joint with a socket wrench.

5

Use a ball joint prong to separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.

6

Remove the bolts from ball joint and pull the ball joint off the control arm. Install a replacement ball joint onto the control arm and reinstall the bolts. Reconnect the ball joint to the steering knuckle.

7

Reattach the cotter pin, the ball joint nut, and the caliper assembly. Reinstall the drive axle and its bolts. Remove the floor jack.

8

Reattach the wheel assembly and lower the truck to the ground.