Sunday, while I was out of town (I am always out of town when this thing breaks down) My wife and children where in the Blazer and made a turn into Kroger and the wheel fell in and they were stranded. The Blazer was towed home.

I returned today to see that the Lower ball joint on the driver's side is broken!
I am so glad they were traveling slow when it broke! This same side had the front upper control arm shaft bolt break 2 years ago and the rear bolt broke broke 4 months ago. All at low speed. Thank God!

Now the lower ball joint broke.

What does it take to remove this joint from the lower control arm? What tools?


Any tips? Why is all this suspension stuff breaking? Thanks!

I am about ready to park it as all these parts are breaking that can be life threatening.

 

Lower ball joints on 2WD are pressed into the control arm. Requires a special press to remove the old one, and to install the new one. Most auto parts stores rent the tool kit. Don't go cheap on the parts, use Moog.

Edit: ball joints break if they're not lubed often enough.

 

Well I am coming back with my tail between my legs.....

My fault altogether. This thing has grease fittings!!

My 1984 K10 4X4...Nope

My 1986 Z28.... Nope.


This blazer......YES!

That's what I get for ASSuming!

Anyway, I rented the kit and replaced the joint with intentions of changing them all. They did all get lubed!!

Well, now to the next problem!

 

Something else could be wrong. They should have come pre- packed with grease.
Hope I'm wrong.

 

A sudden shock from a pothole or other obstruction in the road can damage this system. Over time, these shocks will wear out the components of your vehicle suspension, thus reducing the life of these components. Absorb bumps and other shocks. The vehicle turns in response to steering.