Cadillac 19416896 STUD KIT,FRT LWR CONT ARM BALL

You can Select Your Vehicle to check if 19416896 fits your vehicle.

To inspect and potentially replace a ball joint, start by applying the parking brake and blocking the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Then, raise the front of the vehicle and securely support it on jack stands. Next, use a large prybar to check for any movement in the ball joint by attempting to push it up and prying it down between the steering knuckle and the control arm. Additionally, have an assistant grasp the tire at the top and bottom and move the top of the tire in and out while touching the ball joint stud nut. Finally, separate the control arm from the steering knuckle and try to twist the stud in the socket using your fingers.

To check the upper balljoint, loosen lug nuts, raise the front of the vehicle, support it on jackstands, apply the parking brake, and remove the wheel. Place a jack under the lower control arm, raise slightly, and watch for movement at the balljoint, indicating wear. For the lower balljoint, measure the distance between the tip of the balljoint stud and the grease fitting, lower the jack, and remeasure. A difference exceeding 3/32-inch means replacement is needed. To replace on 2WD models, remove the brake caliper, separate the balljoint from the steering knuckle, drill out the rivets, and install the new balljoint with supplied nuts and bolts. For lower balljoint, take the control arm to a shop for pressing out and in the balljoint. Inspect steering knuckle holes for damage, reconnect balljoints, tighten nuts to torque, install grease fittings, lubricate, and reinstall wheels. The alignment should be checked by a dealer. For 4WD models, procedures are similar, with additional steps including removing the splash shield, disconnecting the tie-rod, removing the drive axle, drilling out rivets, supporting the lower control arm, separating and installing the balljoint, and loading the torsion bar. Finally, reconnect tie-rod, install splash shield, and tighten lug nuts to specified torque.

Inspect the control arm balljoints for looseness anytime either of them is separated from the steering knuckle by attempting to turn the ballstud in its socket with your fingers; if the balljoint is loose or the ballstud can be turned, replace the balljoint. To check the upper balljoints, raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands, then place a floor jack under the outer end of the lower control arm and raise it slightly. Use a large prybar inserted between the upper control arm and the steering knuckle to pry upwards, allowing for up to 0.020-inch of vertical movement, which can be measured with a dial indicator. If balljoint replacement is indicated for 2003 and later models, the upper control arm must be replaced. For 2002 and earlier models, loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the front of the vehicle, support it securely on jackstands, remove the wheel, and support the outer end of the lower control arm with a floor jack. Remove the brake caliper, unbolt the brake hose bracket and wheel speed sensor harness from the upper control arm, center-punch the rivet heads that mount the upper balljoint, and carefully drill them out. Use a punch to remove the remaining rivet portions, then remove the balljoint stud nut and separate the balljoint from the steering knuckle. Inspect the tapered hole in the steering knuckle for wear; if it is worn or out of round, the steering knuckle should be replaced. Installation is the reverse of removal, using appropriate fasteners to secure the replacement balljoint and tightening them securely. For lower balljoints, raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands, then place a floor jack under the lower control arm and raise it until the upper control arm lifts off its rebound bumper. Insert a prybar between the control arm and the steering knuckle to check for play, allowing for up to 0.020-inch of vertical movement. For 2002 and earlier models, follow similar steps to remove the wheel and brake caliper, separate the lower balljoint from the steering knuckle, and guide the lower control arm ballstud out of the steering knuckle. The balljoint is press fit into the lower control arm, requiring a special press tool for removal and installation, which can be rented from equipment rental yards or auto parts stores. Inspect the tapered hole in the steering knuckle for wear, and installation is the reverse of removal, ensuring to tighten the ballstud nut and install a new cotter pin. For 2003 and later models, remove the lower control arm, as the balljoint is press fit and secured by crimped areas on the balljoint body, requiring a hammer and chisel to knock back the crimped areas before pressing out the balljoint with a hydraulic press. The new balljoint is then pressed into the lower control arm and crimped in place, and if a hydraulic press is not available, the control arm should be taken to a qualified repair facility for replacement.

Use a large prybar to check for any movement in the balljoint by attempting to push it up and prying it down between the steering knuckle and control arm.