I tried searching for the answer but I couldn't find it.
What I got is an 88 Camaro with a 2.8 v6. I've had this car for maybe 25 years and I am now doing a complete steering rebuild.
Moog tie rods and center link and ball joints with an ac delco idler arm are on order.
My problem is I'm trying to get the old ball joints out. After taking the nut off and breaking the mechanical weld with a pickle fork I thought I could just lift up the assembly with the spindle and rotor and brake caliper and just turn it out of the way. The tie rods and are off course. But it doesn't turn much out of the way.
Do I have to take off the strut to so as to get off the ball joint? It seems I have too.
Also, I'm jacking the vehicle up and supported under the lower control arms...is this a problem?

Thanks for any help.
Paul
Boston

 

According To the Shop Manual,You Don't.

 

Controls arms are a good support point. the K-member also works.

Not sure on the ball joints though.

 

Thanks for the response.
But, can you expand a bit on number five....
"5. Guide lower control arm out of opening in splash shield with putty knife...."
I am totally lost on that one.....
I can life the rotor and caliper and spindle assembly off the old ball joint and somewhat away from it but not enough....

Also, on one of my wheels I almost got every off except the one nut that holds the top of the strut that is under a plastic cap in the hood. Is there any problems if I should just take this one nut off and pull the strut down and out of the way.....

Thanks. I'm a retired lawyer and this is my retirement......

Paul
Boston

 

Yes, take it off and get it out of the way, why work around a giant heavy object swinging in your face?

Remove the caliper bolts and hang the caliper out of the way so you don't have to bleed the system.

Remove the small bolt from the strut housing that attached the brake hose to the strut.

Then remove the nut under the plastic cover on the strut mount in the engine bay and then remove the spindle, rotor, strut as an assembly.

 

Greetings from Boston and thank you.
Got it all out and I'm waiting for my Moog parts from Amazon (first time buying parts from Amazon) but a lot cheaper than Advanced Auto.
Also, when I took the struts out they collapsed downward so I'm assuming they are defective.
I'm in the market for new struts now.
Any quick suggestions on that would be appreciated.....
Paul
Boston.....

 

Koni yellow (sport) expensive but probably the best "over the counter" strut. But $$$$

Kyb and agx are probably better than the basic Monroe/Gabriel trash if on a budget.