How to Install a Lower Ball Joint in a 2002 S10 4X4

The lower ball joints on your 2002 Chevrolet S10 4x4 are located between the steering knuckle and the lower control arm, just behind the front wheels. There is one lower ball joint on each of the two front wheels. They are necessary for steering your S10. Replace the ball joints immediately if they are ever damaged, otherwise you will be unable to steer your vehicle. You can replace your S10's ball joints in under an hour.

Instructions

1

Lift up the S10 using a jack.

2

Place a floor jack underneath the S10's lower control arm and two jack stands at the front of the S10.

3

Remove the nuts from the front wheels using a wheel wrench. Remove the front wheels.

4

Remove the lower stud cotter pin with a pair of pliers. Use a socket wrench to loosen the lower ball stud nut. Do not remove it yet.

5

Remove the brake caliper from the S10 by removing its two retaining bolts with a socket wrench.

6

Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle with a balljoint fork.

7

Place a spring compressor onto the coil spring.

8

Remove the lower ball stud nut. Remove the brake disc and knuckle assembly from the ball stud.

9

Remove the bolts holding the ball joint in place with a socket wrench. Remove the ball joint from the lower control arm.

10

Place the replacement ball joint onto the lower control arm and reattach the bolts to secure it.

11

Reattach the brake disc, knuckle assembly and lower ball stud nut. Remove the spring compressor from the coil spring.

12

Reattach the brake caliper and lower stud cotter pin.

13

Reattach the front wheels and their nuts. Remove the floor jack and jack stands. Carefully lower the S10 to the ground.