Safety Warning

DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.

SYS.OK|MANUAL.DB● LIVE

HOMESERVICE MANUALSGMC1999FORWARD CONTROL 5.7 R, AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 501 (FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM)REPAIR INSTRUCTIONSLOWER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT (RWD)INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

1999 GMC Forward Control 5.7 R, Automatic

Installation Procedure

1999 GMC Forward Control 5.7 R, AutomaticSECTION Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Install a new ball joint into the lower control arm.
1. 1.1 Press in the ball joint using J 9519-D . The ball joint will bottom on the control arm.
2. 1.2 Locate the grease fitting facing inboard.
  
  Fig 1: Installing Ball Joint Into Lower Control Arm
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle.
NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
Install the lower ball stud nut.
Tighten
1. Tighten the lower ball stud nut to 108 N.m (79 lb ft).
2. Tighten in order to align the slot in the stud nut with the hole in the stud.
Install a new cotter pin to the stud.
Lubricate the lower ball joint.
Install the brake caliper. Refer to BRAKE CALIPER -- FRONT SINGLE PISTON or BRAKE CALIPER -- FRONT DUAL PISTON in Disc Brakes.
Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
Lower the vehicle.
Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT in Wheel Alignment.

Fig 2: Installing Ball Joint Stud Into Steering Knuckle
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Shop Manual-Ready Tools Free Quote Check Quote Shield Pro

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

• You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
• Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
• The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
• You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
• You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.