Chevy Tahoe: Upper Control Arm And A Press In Lower Ball Joint

[@zeff1015]

Perfectly engineered to have just enough room to need to remove the engine to change a headlight bulb.... Great work as always Mr. O

[@chrishartley1210]

Sounds like my little Ford Ka. Just 2 nuts and a bolt to remove the front strut but have to remove the bumper and wing to get enough room to change the headlight bulb.

[@davidhoman3807]

Or maybe GM just got lucky.

[@CrimeVid]

A friend owned a motor bike that you had to remove the whole fairing on, to change the headlight bulb, and by heck we tried !

[@NoNamegone]

😂😂 How right you are!!!

[@dmaster92289]

​@@chrishartley1210Sounds like my 2010 Chevy Malibu lol.

[@TorqueTestChannel]

Mr. Thor will make 'er stuck no more

[@algorithm-w7o]

@ 46:44, Yep still watching. Thank you much for the video and I hope you have a wonderful day.

[@titaniumman_22]

I appreciate you for appreciating each other and I certainly appreciate this video! 🇺🇸

[@davidzelkowski9948]

It's amazing all the problems you run into and solve during the job. Even swapping the grease fittings around so they align properly.

[@throttlebottle5906]

as opposed to snapping it off and sending it as is? 🤣🤣 I say that jokingly here, but seen it before!

[@guyfawkes4828]

Have been a huge fan of Eric o for years . As a dyi mechanic I absolutely love the educational point in these videos that Eric makes . Unfortunately my wife can understand why I watch them but after a few videos she watched with me she is hooked . Really loves when Mrs o is in the video giving her insight into what her husband is doing. Hoping to see a few videos explaining how to properly use a scanner . Having a hard time understanding what exactly is being done and why and how you choose the way look at it . Scanners are very confusing with so many functions. Keep the videos coming Mr o . Cant believe I have been watching for years still the best on KZbin.

[@matthewmahoney6018]

I found it interesting that a 3 or 4 hundred pound person in the vehicle changes the alignment. I never thought about it but makes sense. Good job.

[@tynnmahn]

I would like to know what I'm looking for when I see the long term/short term fuel trim, the Man Pressure, the timing advance. I mean, I see all this data but really don't know what is good, what is bad, what the data is really telling me, etc. Lots of info from my real time scan tool that I don't know really what to do with

[@IBM29]

Adding several layers of Teflon tape to the grease fitting threads can often get the orientation where it needs to be.

[@areuaware6842]

I started using marine grease as my preferred chassis grease 20 years ago when I lived very close to the ocean and found it vastly superior to other types of grease. Super sticky and waterproof!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great work As always Eric O 46:58 @South Main Auto Repair LLC

[@klystron1]

We appreciate the effort you put into making these videos, Dr O.

[@DIYDaveOK]

Nice to see a pro like Eric use a little "leverage" to open up a space for something like the bracket for that control arm...makes me feel better about when I have to do it LOL. Thanks as always, Eric!!

[@Sep7emberSun]

Thank you very much for your time and effort making these videos. I am always waiting for the next one...

[@stevennederhiser7125]

Today's lesson involved clocking the grease zerks to the ball joints. Thanks Eric!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I just did Both upper and lower control arms and ball joints new torsion keys and locks torsion bars and complete Kryptonite Steering Kit for a customer on his 2005 Chevy 2500Hd was a fun job 9:00 was a pain Eric O chevy bolt on cv axles are so much easier to deal with then Toyota Snap ring lock in axles @South Main Auto Repair LLC

[@markroper9269]

Appreciate you two appreciating each other.....thing of beauty!

[@user-vu7yt8pm4p]

Eric, you're the best with lighting and camera angles! You put the other guys to shame.

[@kennash5719]

Eric, your alignment story reminds me of a customer we had who was 500 pounds, We had to fill the drivers area of his Mercedes with all the brake rotors and drums we had on our parts shelves prior to doing the alignment

[@UNEEK_LOGIK]

Everyone loves your channel cause it’s like the modern day Mr. Roger’s, but with automotive even better!

[@rayeddy528]

Great job! 43 years as field mechanic on a coal strip mines and Never Seize is my best friend!!! Helps the next tech to remove the fastener, who will more than likely be me !! God bless you and your family!!!!! Eddy

[@kittty2005]

Of course we're watching you ,you're the funniest mechanic on KZbin. ROFL

[@WilliamMulligan]

Your videography is most excellent. Far superior to wobblecam that some people use.

[@Look_What_I_Did]

It's called a tripod.

[@WilliamMulligan]

@@Look_What_I_Did We don't have tripods in the UK, we just rely on our butler to hold the camera steady

[@berrywin]

Lol! @@WilliamMulligan

[@richardsmith2721]

Watching Ray's channel is only useful if I'm working on a car I don't drive in the winter. Your channel is very helpful preparing me to work on a winter car. I don't even think Ray has a torch. If he does, I can't remember seeing him use it.

[@joshua_lee732]

He uses it very sparingly as the touch can do more harm than good.

[@Slicerwizard]

He uses his torch as required. Plenty of videos with him torching away, especially exhaust work and broken bolt removal.

[@richardsmith2721]

@@Slicerwizard My point was that he rarely needs to use a torch and Eric uses one daily. Also, I don't always see Ray using much brake lube other than on the pins. That wouldn't work in the salt belt. I'd rather watch Eric do a brake job because we live in a similar climate.

[@Kristoliquid1983]

i fix quite a few on pickup trucks that push snow in winter, quite the job

[@MikeMcAuliffe-g2f]

Flat washer on the zert fitting. Had to do that a few times. Love your editorials on specific part lines.

[@Redial2416]

Eric you are always a joy to watch. A master mechanic with a great personality. Trust me when I say if I am working on my own stuff before it is done all my neighbors know about it.😊. Keep those videos coming.

[@Larry-4-707]

Hey Eric you are one hell of a teacher and a pleasure to watch when you have the right tools you can do anyrthing.

[@jimandnena4]

Watching a KZbin channel of a pure professional is so relaxing. Thank you and Mrs. O for all the knowledge and entertainment.

[@Todd66]

Best diagnostic skills, best segways on KZbin annnndddd….freaking movie quotes!!! Tell me this is not the best channel on KZbin!! Luv me sum SMA videos

[@Usertwoeight]

I wish I could have had you as a coworker/leader in the shop I just left. I am walking away from the dealership, never really had the chance to go any further than an oil changer despite all I had to offer. It boiled down to toxic work culture of the dealership and the greedy, jealous, insecure men that filled the service bays. Always heard independent shops are different but was always drawn to the flair of being a name branded service tech… boy oh boy hindsight is humbling. Eric thanks for inspiring a lot of us, thanks for all the laughs, oh and I actually liked the chicken thigh, salad, and salt potatoes dinner you shared on your after hours channel. Take care and brush ya hair bro

[@Look_What_I_Did]

You sound like that guy... I bet they are grateful to be rid of you.

[@Motor-City-Mike]

You'll learn to be three times the technician at an independent shop than you will at a dealership. At an independent, there are no two jobs exactly the same, every brand comes in the door, and you'll see how different companies engineer the same ass,y. I left the trade, got too old to be a heavy mechanic, and don't like the light work, so I changed trades to a machinist. I had a Turbo Diesel start to use water, dribble coolant out the tailpipe, and steam out the exhaust. I had hit the radiator on the way to work one morning, passing over a deer carcass, I felt up underneath and didn't realize the leak was so bad (it was dark, on a gravel shoulder), so it got hot enough to turn the temp light on. Sent it to the dealer I bought it from, thinking blown head gasket, or cracked head (aluminum) at worst. Already long story short, they tell me it needs a long block - $8600 out the door. I asked where the steam/water out the tailpipe was coming from, they told me three techs discussed it, and DECIDED it cracked the shortblock. I had it towed home, diagnosed it myself in under 1/2 hr, and replaced the heat damaged EGR cooler for $240. That dealership lost my car business and my repair business because they couldn't/didn't diagnose the actual problem, just figured they'd hit me for $8600, diagnosed nothing, and still charged an hr for diagnostics. They'll lose more than that from now on. Go work for an independent, learn to be a REAL technician, not a parts changer.

[@Pointlesshandle48]

I’ve only ever worked for independent shops, and I’ve seen good and bad. I think mostly pretty good, granted I was a smartass teenager who didn’t know squat about life. I was humbled and put in my place a few times, and I think sometimes older guys being fed up with your shit can be mistaken for insecurity. I don’t know how old you are but there’s good and bad on both sides. I said what I said because of the amount of work we would get from dealers who were basically outsourcing their work to us.

[@Usertwoeight]

@@Look_What_I_Did I sound like that guy because I wish there were more Eric’s in this POS industry filled with… you guessed it, techs like yourself? We can go head to head little pooch… and I’m talking out put, quality of work, attention to detail and last but not least showing up on time… all the qualities a REAL MENTOR/trainer wants in his mentee. So yeah little guy I am THAT GUY

[@jamesbizelli8568]

@@Look_What_I_Did well that was ignorant as hell. He sounds like a good guy to me. You sound offended, so……

[@kaafromoz]

As always professionally performed and expertly repaired, thanks Eric another great informative video, it's always a pleasure to watch you do your magic. Keep Safe Keep Strong 🦘🦘🦘🦘💖💖💖💖

[@NikMitchell]

After doing a full suspension replacement on my 01 Silverado without air tools (and watching you do this job with them), I'm firmly convinced I never want to do that job again without them. That said, I'm in the south - so who knows. Nice work keeping the strut in there, btw!

[@Danzilly]

Morning Eric! Thanks for showing us what you fight with on a daily basis!

[@brentowen9480]

I made a bracket for my trans jack to hold under the rotor with hooks to ratchet strap around the rotor. Then loosen all the lines wires etc, pop the ball joint studs loose and I can weasel the axle out at hold everything 1 ft back on the jack while you go to beating on ball joints.

[@brentowen9480]

So, other than the hose bolt and wire clips the ball joints are the only thing needed to remove the nuts from.

[@lloydrodriguez9997]

I’m humbled by your patience, I would have had wrenches flyin and swear words bouncing off the walls!

[@philmerrifield1163]

As my dear old dad used to say: slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Sometimes you have to slow down to go fast. What it means is if you rush you make mistakes great video Mr O.

[@meyertkg]

Really like drinking my morning coffee and watching you work.

[@Wrenchingdaily]

Perfect timing. Need something to entertain me during the last hour of my shift. Keep’em coming Eric.

[@carsonwashburn1]

"Couldn't do it without ya." Thanks Eric for always making us feel welcome. Love your videos.

[@dustcommander100]

The "O Team" for the win! Great to see how you approach rusty frozen stuff in such a practical way. And win!

[@scottnusser6232]

Got the exact same job tomorrow on a Yukon at my shop. Removed cam bolts before I left tonight. Very rusty but they did come out, thank God❤. Good show as usual. Glad you mentioned how customer weight is such s factor on alignment. Always tricky asking about primary driver size😅.

[@rjb6327]

Missed our daily fix of Mrs. O., because it's always nice to see Mrs, O.. 😊 "Trust me." How many mechanics have said that. 🤔🤨 Oh yes. Good job. Good video. 😁

[@andyZ3500s]

Mr. And Mrs. O, I came across your channel as I am working on cars again. South Main Auto has quickly become my favorite automotive channel. Your channel is both educational and entertaining as well. Thanks for all the time you spend making these videos for us.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Welcome aboard!

[@Garth2011]

Great Job...no collateral damage to neighboring parts, hoses, clamps, plastics etc. It would appear those TTX Mevotech have a higher quality than the OEM parts by much and a slightly lower cost.

[@tomctutor]

I'm always amazed at how smoothly these jobs go, with both finesse and brute ugger-dugger force involved in the shop. For the home mechanic it may well be wise to have the same kit as EricO here before you even attempt control-arm &/or ball-joint replacement. 🛠🤔

[@2nickles647]

I had to buy some of the tools Mr. O has. Thor was a excellent investment. The ball joint press is indeed a good investment. Over the years ive accumulated various tools. Im a DYI mechanic. A few years ago. I tore down my daughters 3/4 ton truck and also dropped the front diff.

[@peterwill3699]

Hi,why did you drop the front differential?

[@briandeschene8424]

@@2nickles647 DYI: Do Yourself In DIY: Do It Yourself ;-)

[@cypeman8037]

The magic of editting.

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

Absolutely. I have all this stuff, minus Thor, got Milwaukee Big Mama though 😂. However, engineers are very creative on how they hide or tuck shit. Very difficult to press out some Honda parts because a little 1/4" lip they added, got to be very creative with the tools.

[@ecleveland1]

Whole lot of Astro Tools used for this project. I’ll have to look up the press kit, I just might have to pick one up.

[@njb7209]

Telescoping magnet will help save your back!❤

[@faxmen09]

Among other things, I learned Panther pee = Kroil or any penetrating oil, I suppose. Interesting about the alignment. Did not realize driver heft could make that much difference. Another job well done by Eric O.

[@db799]

"Mouse Milk" was an actual brand of penetrating oil.

[@abarguy]

Yup, I’m still watching! I tend to like watching the troubleshooting vids more but don’t sell your parts replacement vids short. I’ve done my own work, several cars and family cars for several decades and feel every part of what you are demonstrating here. From breaking joints lose to upper bushing preload, trying to avoid taking things apart if I can to decent “panther piss” brands. Trust me when I say “I appreciate you!” 😉

[@codybroken]

I enjoy and appreciate how you and The Mrs. appreciate each other.

[@GarnConstructionInc]

Thank you Eric! The ability to throttle how much stress something will tolerate in a time is money situation is on display. The ability to see the adjuster acting like a clamp wedge keeps parts and tools from moving at higher velocity then necessary. Not surprising that your behind when your doing what you gotta do!

[@firstnamelastname-fo4fq]

Dude you are a machine that kicks the ass of the corporate machines that built these machines. Sincerely Fond owner of a GM

[@gut187able]

I watched the whole video

[@harryl7946]

Me too! 😂😂

[@seamuslily]

Thank You for the TTX tip.

[@donmcconnery5080]

Never get tired of watching a job done with knowledge and pride. Just a joy to watch and learn!

[@FarleyMan151]

I moved to Fl from Ct in 1983. I bought a brand new 2002 Tundra on Dec 3, 2001 and drove it for 20 yrs. It had zero rust. I could easily remove any bolt, anywhere on that truck after 20yrs and it would come right out. I hate new england for so many reasons.

[@GaJeepr]

Can fully vouch for the MevoTech TTX. Own multiple Jeeps is my go-to for suspension parts. And I will just say it. Nothing seems to be made here so it doesn't matter.

[@ScottytheSatanist666]

Love how my guy has videos uploaded to watch before work man! You da man Eric O!

[@donakahorse]

there is no human problem that cannot be solved with the proper application of Thor and Big Nasty.

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Nice work Mr. O! Since "Victor" wasn't used, you made it look very easy.

[@wayupnort6271]

Great tip on the grease zerks Eric!👍🏻 The UCA bolt clearances looked good in CAD… plenty of room.🙄😆

[@ralphwatten2426]

Video fits together just fine. I've done upper ball joints before but never the whole control arm. Gotta do what a guys gotta do. Thanks for posting.

[@ronaldchurch6356]

I missed you putting the wheel bearing washer on.

[@ronaldchurch6356]

I finally seen it.

[@Troy_Built]

I was at my first mechanic job for only a couple months when a car was coming back in for our 3rd alignment attempt. The lead mechanic got it this time and wanted to talk to the owner first. He called us all over to see what he was doing. Then the owner and his twin brother came over and sat in it for the alignment that time. They were pushing 5 bills each. It was a full size car from the late 70's but that much weight threw that alignment way off.

[@Bucketheadland1]

To switch out the grease fittings so they align shows ur experience. Great video 👊💪

[@yokoyama7590]

I would say that was pure genius. Eric is like the Einstein of car repair!

[@Slicerwizard]

@@yokoyama7590 No, genius would've been to check the fitting orientation before pressing the joint.

[@michaelsnively3621]

Definitely one of the more entertaining and informative channels on the youtubes...

[@Lee_In_AZ]

Your comment about body size throwing off alignment reminded me of a guy from my hometown. He was huge (500lb+) and drove a Gremlin or some such car with air shocks on the drivers side. The car looked pretty odd sitting empty, but was flat and level when he was driving. I always thought it was a pretty creative solution.

[@Harlinsgrllvscats]

Your my new go to laid back and just so down to earth .

[@fascistpedant758]

I once installed HD springs on the drivers side only for a very heavy driver.

[@davidkasperek3907]

This is one of the few channels I watch as soon as you publish a new video. Always informative and entertaining. 😊👍

[@davidlongman2341]

Doing repairs with the book in your hand always leads to panic. Doing it properly and using experience is golden. Knowing what to actually do, beyond what the book says gets the job done in the real world. Manuals never deal with rusty or broken or bent or missing. What saves the day is experience, and the confidence and fluency that comes with it. Also understanding that sometimes bits break beyond the job that you are doing and you have to deal with that too.

[@chuckiedimes1466]

Back when I worked on my Astro Van out in the driveway, the neighbor would take care to keep his kids inside so as not to hear my swearin and cussin. It was bad, I have to admit. Then I got rid of the Astro and bought a Dodge Caravan, which changed my attitude completely. No more bad language. Watching you deal with those adjustment cams reminded me of the stupidity of GM's engineering, and leaves me wondering why you seem to trash-talk Chrysler products. Nonetheless, you're still my favorite online mechanic, and it's a pleasure to watch you work.

[@stevenrobinson2381]

"Don't spoil it-Kroil it" ! Good stuff there Maynard.

[@lynnmiller5183]

Very good Eric. Front end work is something I do not work on. But seems easy for you. Your tools and equipment are phenomenal

[@Paul1958R]

Its his brain more that his tools/equipment that is phenomenal.

[@quietsignal]

This vid was a complete front end tutorial.

[@Chrismckinney1]

Seriously 😂 if you didn’t know, now you know

[@michaelhuffer9966]

Thanks, for showing all details of your work 😮😊😊

[@luissonoma6255]

Not sure why I haven’t seen your videos on my feed, it’s been years! Glad to see you’re still going your thing!!! Much love & respect for the work that you do! ✊🏿

[@marccarrier9589]

Those ball joint kits you used are awesome! I've used them also they're a high-quality product for sure. It's sad the after market distributes lesser quality products like they do when there's good products like that.

[@USAF99]

You're about the only other person I would trust to work on my stuff- little things like the grease zerk pointed in an accessible orientation are the details that matter.

[@941oxford]

Great job Eric. Really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work. We need a mechanic with your skills here in NC. The mechanics here, if they can't fix your problem within 30 min. they don't want to take on your job.

[@richardsmith2721]

The Blue Super Moon woke me up at 4 am this morning. Wow, was that bright!

[@jimsherman2477]

One may want to tighten the grease fitting into the ball joint and mark where it ends up. Remove fitting and install ball joint accordingly.

[@dadgarage7966]

Agreed.

[@SLDave]

Exactly

[@dougbourdo2589]

Glad to see the use of eye & hearing protection.

[@rogern5368]

Good series on the 14 Tahoe !! Excellent viewing and great work as always. Mr O don’t need to take those strut shocks out !!!! As always “ Thanks for posting” !

[@2491kridge]

When you said he’s never had an alignment I was getting ready to correct you until you clarified your statement 😂. I’ll have customers come in with 200k miles for an alignment and they’ve still got those factory tabs in there lol. One of the easiest styles of camber caster and people still won’t touch it

[@alexmiller499]

Years ago the Mac man told me the same thing about swivels and impacts. It really is a grenade with the pin pulled

[@anthonytomasso5973]

Hi Eric, you were correct with General Motors, they put many meals on your table! Keep up the great work..👍

[@Katya5cat]

I hear you Eric. I had a Jeep Liberty that the cam bolts were frozen. It stayed like that for years because it was close enough. I'm in the rust belt too.

[@DerDuckPond]

LOF, that’s what was always on the worksheet…Lube, Oil and Filter…haven’t even thought of that in three decades…haven’t had a car with zerk fittings in that long.

[@kengreer3302]

Always have to get it done

[@jamesbruno5896]

Wow early am Chevy thunder, thanks Eric!

[@SteveDallas12]

Of course, we’re still watching

[@jamiepatterson1214]

Even though you were pulled off that job several times, that video was nice to watch. It's also interesting to hear you explain the why's and wherefores of car repairs. Your explanations let those of us who sit in waiting rooms understand better why some repairs can take longer than promised by the service managers.

[@kevinkoepke8311]

Finally caught one coming off the line. Thanks Eric!

[@douglash3129]

Lawson used to make spray anti -seize worked well less mess!! You would hate working on my vehicles, I anti-seize everything and can always R & R!!

[@gourmetmess]

You ARE a Surgeon......a Rocket Surgeon!!!

[@joemann5587]

Petition for the 39' ford leafspring video if you do the job Mr O. love from across the pond keep up the good work

[@amdstrollo3074]

Recommend this customer get this thing fluid filmed!!

[@indyguy3400]

That greasy wax under coating gm used was garbage. I'm glad I'm lucky enough to have a winter beater to drive than my truck.

[@thomasherring6640]

Did an upper control arm on a Mazda for my son in law. Same design with the strut in the way of the bolts. Here in NY, of course, you don't remove anything you don't absolutely have to remove for fear of broken bolts and bigger headaches. I wound up using a pry bar and some blocks of scrap wood to get enough leverage to move the spring out of the way just enough to sneak the bolts out and back in. It was a little sketchy, but so were to bolts that held that strut in lol.

[@daniel_wilkinson]

Just my thoughts regarding the compressor, which I watched that video but wasn't in a place to comment on. My opinion is that the state of the auto industry today is such that any amount of money you can spend on keeping a vehicle on the road is going to be less expensive than buying a new car in the long run. Are dealers, even in the used market, still marking up their inventory to the stratosphere, and do I remember hearing about 10 year auto loans? Yeah I'm going to do whatever I have to to keep my jalopy on the road.

[@pebosk]

Yep, I was still watching, all the way to the end... Nice job!