Genuine Buick Rainier Ball Joint

Buick Rainier Ball Joint Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Stud Kit,Front Lower Control Arm Ball
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  Q: How to inspect and replace control arm ball joints?

  A: To inspect the Control Arm ball joints for looseness, separate them and try turning the ball stud in its socket by hand. If it is loose or can be turned, the ball joint needs to be replaced. Next, raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands under the frame rails. Place a floor jack under the lower control arm and slightly raise it, ensuring the floor jack is not under the Steering Knuckle. Check for looseness in the front wheel bearings. For 4WD models, set up a dial indicator to measure the vertical movement of the wheel. Insert a pry bar between the lower control arm and the wheel bearing outer race, prying them apart and noting the reading on the dial indicator. If it exceeds 0.125-inch, replace the ball joint. When removing the ball joint, remove the lower control arm for the lower ball joint or the steering knuckle for the upper ball joint. Take the control arm or steering knuckle to have the old ball joint pressed out and the new one pressed in. Finally, install the control arm or steering knuckle and have the front-end alignment checked and adjusted if necessary.