Suspension - Lower Ball Joint Service Precautions
Bulletin 85-3-9Date Jan '85
Ref. No. 85-105-3
SUBJECT: LOWER BALL JOINT SERVICE
MODELS AFFECTED: 1980-85 SKYLARK; AND 1982-85 CENTURY
CLAMP BOLT TORQUE:
When servicing the front suspension lower ball joint, care should be taken to align the broached notch in the ball joint stud (the cylindrical shaft that fits into the knuckle) with the clamp bolt hole. The clamp bolt must assemble freely without interference with the ball joint stud.
Clamp bolt torque is important to the performance of the ball joint stud. To insure proper bolt torque, replace bolt (P/N 14034747) and nut (P/N 11502812), per the service manual, each time vehicle service requires separation removal of the ball joint from the knuckle.. Clamp torque should be 50 N-m (37 ft.lbs.).
Because of possible hole damage, replace the knuckle when servicing ball joints that are loose in the knuckle or have broken studs.