Original upper ball joints

[Tom L.]

Not sure if it's worth asking but I will. I removed my upper arms to replace the bushings and ball joints. Upon inspection the original riveted uppers feel great. Any opinions or just cleaning them and lubricating rather than replacing??? Thanks!!

[Patrick H.]

Re: Original upper ball joints

Lynn,

I'd leave them alone. The uppers rarely wear out, as compared to the lowers.
At the rate we drive these cars you probably won't have to worry about them wearing out in your lifetime.

Patrick

[Paul J.]

Re: Original upper ball joints

Lynn, Patrick gives good advice. As a matter of course, I used to replace both upper and lower ball joints in my restorations. However, there is mistrust of the quality of NCRS correct reproductions, and I agree that the only two options are to replace them with quality parts like Moog, which are not NCRS correct, or to just leave them alone. I still replace the lowers with quality units, but I now leave the uppers if they are OK.

Paul

[Tom L.]

Re: Original upper ball joints

I suspected that this was the case, good news for me. Now, who offers the rubber dust boots? Mine were destroyed upon removal. Thanks!

[Ron G.]

Re: Original upper ball joints

As the Doc said, uppers do not wear like the lowers. However, I know that the purpose of thsi discussion board is not to sell parts but I do have 1 NOS upper in the GM box.

[Joe L.]

Re: Original upper ball joints

I suspected that this was the case, good news for me. Now, who offers the rubber dust boots? Mine were destroyed upon removal. Thanks!

Lynn------



The original GM ball joints use boots that are retained by metal bands. I don't know of any way to remove these bands intact and I don't know of any source for the original boots. These were never available in SERVICE from GM. You might try contacting America's Finest Corvettes in Ramona, CA. They reproduce the ball joints and may be able to supply the boots but you'll still be left with the problem of removing and re-installing the retaining bands.

When ball joints are to be re-used, you don't want to use a "pickle fork" to separate them from the steering knuckle. This often results in destruction of the boot. Instead, use a press type of removal tool such as the one manufactured by Old Forge.

[Ron G.]

Re: Original upper ball joints

I agree with Joe, do not use the fork, there is a dedicated tool for this that does not damage the rubber boot. I could ask my guy who does some of my work as to where to purchase it.

[Tom L.]

Re: Original upper ball joints

Unfortunately that ship has sailed. I disassembled the suspension with the intention of replacing the uppers so I didn't take the proper precautions, I used a fork. Had I known...

[Alan S.]

Re: Original upper ball joints

Hi Lynn,
I know someone with a 71 that used a pickle fork because of the same thinking as yours.
The 'tear' in the boot is about 1/2" long, and around it's outer most circumference. He hasn't pumped too much grease into it, and with LIMITED driving the result seems to be satisfactory. He's able to reach up there and remove the ooze on occasion.
Perhaps just where your boot is damaged, and the amount of driving you plan, may influence the direction you take.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

[Patrick H.]

Re: Original upper ball joints

It may not be tough to find original upper A-arms with good ball joints still attached at a swap meet or similar.
Just trying to think outside the box...