Can't separate ball joints - help (pics)
03-07-2009, 07:21 PM
#1
Can't separate ball joints - help (pics) I am trying to take apart the rear suspension in preparation for lifting the body off...
I followed the instructions in this article http://www.corvettefever.com/techart.../photo_18.html
That step in particular is what is giving me problems...
I can't get the ball joints to separate. The instructions are confusing it says "loosen the lower ball joint nut with an 18mm socket" - The lower ball joint nut isn't 18mm. The top one is 18mm.
Do I need to loosen the nut that is circled in red?
I have tried to get the top to separate with the shock both connected and disconnected....which works better?
Do I need to put the top nut back on and break the bottom ball joint free first?
I have tried supporting the a-arm with a jack and running it all the way up - top joint still won't separate. I am guessing it isn't safe to use an air hammer pickle fork on the aluminum parts.
Sorry for being a vette noob, this is the first car I have owned newer than a '72.
Thanks in advance
I followed the instructions in this article http://www.corvettefever.com/techart.../photo_18.html
That step in particular is what is giving me problems...
I can't get the ball joints to separate. The instructions are confusing it says "loosen the lower ball joint nut with an 18mm socket" - The lower ball joint nut isn't 18mm. The top one is 18mm.
Do I need to loosen the nut that is circled in red?
I have tried to get the top to separate with the shock both connected and disconnected....which works better?
Do I need to put the top nut back on and break the bottom ball joint free first?
I have tried supporting the a-arm with a jack and running it all the way up - top joint still won't separate. I am guessing it isn't safe to use an air hammer pickle fork on the aluminum parts.
Sorry for being a vette noob, this is the first car I have owned newer than a '72.
Thanks in advance
03-08-2009, 08:04 PM
#3
Launching!
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I didn't bother with that last winter when I removed my powertrain like you are doing. Just unbolt the upper control arms from the frame. I think it's an easier way to do it. For the shocks I unbolted the rears at the top and the fronts at the bottom. Then just replaced them while it was off the body.
Start taking a bunch of pictures along the way too! Bag and tag is your friend too.
It makes the whole process of putting it back together a lot easier!
PM me if you have any questions. I'd be glad to help if you need it.
Start taking a bunch of pictures along the way too! Bag and tag is your friend too.
It makes the whole process of putting it back together a lot easier!PM me if you have any questions. I'd be glad to help if you need it.
03-08-2009, 08:09 PM
#4
Launching!
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If you're not working on the diff then you don't have to. You really don't even have to remove the brake calipers. I did but realized later that I really didn't have to. Just use some cable ties to prevent everything from stretching and putting extra pressure on the lines.
03-10-2009, 01:55 PM
#5
Staging Lane
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this is a much better guide for removing the diff. just stop when you get the cradle out
http://cajundude.com/c5techhome.htm
http://cajundude.com/c5techhome.htm
