1989 Camaro RS.

This was my first time doing this.

My steering was a little off (up and down shaking when driving), so I went to change my ball joints. I referred to http://www.fl-thirdgen.org/balljointreplacement.html.

Took the tire off, took the caliper away, broke nut loose, and hammered the heck out of the ball joint. Got it out.

Now, the fun part. Putting the new one in. I couldn't get it in all the way. It's lop-sided, too. I drove it about 1/4 of a mile to get to the computer; I have everything back on. Technically, it's on, but not all the way. Will this cause me permanent damage? I'm taking it to a shop as soon as I can.

How can I get it in all the way? Will driving push it in the rest of the way?

 

it's a press fit ball joint..... you definetly need it pressed all the way in. I wouldn't drive it at all without it all the way in. they make a ball joint press thats designed to do this job. most part stores have a rental tool program that could aid you in this work. Basically its a glorified c clamp with a collet that fits around the ball joint.

btw i hope you didn't oblong the hole by forcing it in, incorrectly. that could require an over sized ball joint among other issues.

 

Ugh....alright, I'll head to Autozone or somewhere and get the tool. I just spent 5 hours working on this thing...and it wasn't fun.

Thanks for the information, though.