How do you install lower ball joints in a 1979 Camaro? They popped out with a few healthy hits of a hammer, but I can't get them in! I've tried heating the a-arm 1st then using a jack to lift the ball joint and a-arm, then hitting the a-arm with no success.

HELP

 

Just got finished rebuilding my '68 SS Camaro. About the only way to get your lower ball joints in is with a hydraulic press. Lucky for me I work in a shop with readly available shop equipment. On the other hand, I was on the MAC tool truck today looking at a ball joint remover. If used in reverse, it could possibly be used to install them. Price was about $169. Hammering don't work though, I tried that route a long time ago on a different vehicle. Their designed to be pressed in.

I also wouldn't suggest heating the lower control arm any more. If you take the temper out of it you can have serious problems later on down the road.

 

Go to autozone or any car parts store ask if they have or if they will lend you a ball jiont press.

 

Thanks ... I ended up pulling the control arms off and took them to work. We pressed them in with a hydraulic press.

It really was quite easy with the right tools!

 

hmmm... mine went in with a hammer, do you guys think they will be ok?

-Gordon

 

I wouldnt worry about it Gordon, the way they are designed is that the balljoint cant slide out when the spindle is on. I just use a "ball joint installer"... funny name huh . Basically a C-clamp. I bought it to do the dodge balljoints, no other way to do those but it works nicely for others.
CoryM

 

thanks!