Suspension - Lower Control Arm Ball Joints (Greaseable)
89chevy23GMC NUMBER: 89-T-88
GROUP: 3C - Front Suspension
DATE: July 1989
CORPORATE
NUMBER: 963303
SUBJECT: GREASEABLE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS
MODELS: 1988-1989 C TRUCKS
Figure Number 1A:
Figure No. 1B:
Greaseable lower control arm ball joints are now available when requested, for service use on 1988- 89 C Trucks. The greaseable ball joints may be used to replace current production ball joints which are permanently sealed. The new greaseable ball joints incorporate a zerk fitting at the base (visible at the bottom of the control arm) to allow for maintenance (see figure 1A). Also shown in figure 1A is the path that grease will follow as it is purged from the ball joint at the interface of the rubber dust cover and the ball joint shell (or socket). Customers should be given the information slip, shown in figure 1B, which explains their responsibility for maintaining the ball joints. This slip is packaged with the service ball joint.
Service Procedure
When replacing the C Truck lower ball joint, care should be taken to follow the removal and installation instructions given in section 3C-14 of service manual X8931. This procedure requires the use of tools J-9519-D (Ball Joint remover and Installer Set) and J-23742 (Ball Joint Separator). The above tools are necessary for correct removal or installation as the ball joints are pressed into or out of the control arm.
NOTICE: Removal and/or installation of the ball joint by the use of a hammer, may cause damage to the ball joint and/or the control arm.
NOTICE: No attempt should be made to grease, or provide a means for greasing permanently sealed ball joints. No means of purging old grease exists and premature wear may result.
Service Parts Information
Part Number Description
15657212 C1, C2, C3 Lower control
arm ball joint kit
For vehicles repaired under warranty use the following labor operation and time.
Labor operation Labor time
E2930 Right lower ball joint replace . 6 Hr
E2931 Left lower ball joint replace . 6 Hr
E2937 Both lower ball joints replace 1.0 Hr
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.