Replace Lower Ball Joints and Upper Control Arms Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 4X4

This video outlines the complete process of removal and replacement of the upper control arm and lower ball joint on a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4X4 with torsion bar front suspension. The process is similar on many GM trucks and includes tips and tricks to help make the job easy and do it right. The entire process was unedited for time. Please follow factory repair procedures and torque all fast res properly (I neglected to do that properly in part of this video). Many viewers have asked why I chose to replace the upper arms and just the lower joints? Can just the upper joints be replaced apart from the entire arm assembly? What brand do you prefer to use and why? I produced a supplemental video with additional information To help answer those questions and you can see it here: • Replace Just the Ball ...

[@lesglover6515]

Hands down one of the best videos I've seen for suspension and steering repair. To the point, and just very nicely done. I am now a subscriber for sure.

[@thebobloblawshow8832]

Thank you for the great advice I’m doing this exact job on my 96 suburban plus all the tie rods, the whole thing. This was unbelievably helpful. Thanks again Car Doctor.👍👍🇺🇸🇨🇦

[@d.w.liddell8679]

I'm a musician, so I don't do mechanic work as a rule but I like to watch pros on YT when I do have an automotive issue. You are obviously a pro. Now I can get my truck in to the shop and know what I should be looking at time-wise. Thanks, good video.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching.

[@mr59301]

What a useful clip! You've got just the right combination of mechanical ability, clarity, efficiency, thoroughness and narrative skill to inspire DIY confidence from your viewers. Thanks a bunch!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Joseph Whalen Oh thanks for the complements IM Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@Reallifenewz]

You're an animal! Epic time and technique. Stoked to have found this vid! Thanks for uploading. Life saver

[@paulgriffin526]

31 minutes for you and hours for me!!! LOL, it's truly amazing what the right tools will do for you! :) Great video! Thanks!

[@darryls8066]

Just browsing around for a 09 Tahoe upper control arm and lower ball joint replacement video. Watched this one all the way through and was quite entertained LOL. I bet the book time is 3 hrs or more per side and you were done in 31 minutes on one side. Good work man. Now back to my vehicle specific search.....I have a 3.5" body lift so I have to figure out the proper method to make it safe to do.

[@tomtamshen7277]

Really good instructional video. I learned a lot and saw things not to forget. I agree that doing the upper control arm is better than just the ball joint.

[@ericwhittaker3570]

I just did this yesterday with your help. Thank you! I ended up having to grind away some crimped tabs from the old/original lower ball joint, but I did use the stress relieving technique of hitting the piss out of it with a hammer. And, you're right: I did feel better! I'm way slower than you are though; it took me 2 hours the first side and 1 hour the second side.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

That's making great time! Good job. Saved some cash too!

[@P1ayD0hpaul]

AWESOME video. Thank you so much for this and your other videos. You'll save thousands of us busted knuckles, grey hairs and millions of $ from doing things wrong or just the hard way. It's easy to tell your a master mechanic.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thanks for the complements! Glad I could help

[@tlcbear2]

Thanks for this video. I watched this to refresh my memory. Just did this job on my 2500 chevy.

[@SGAOuTLaWz]

The absolute best video on KZbin for suspension work. Thank you for taking the time do make it. I am subscribed!

[@MolarBoater]

Thanks for making this video as it gave me the info I needed to replace my lower ball joint & UCA for my Avalanche. The first side took all day but the second just a few hours....in the driveway!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

+MolarBoater Glad it helped. Thanks for dropping by!

[@jameskollmann3616]

great video been working on older cars for years but the new stuff is so much different thanks

[@justinserosr6322]

I enjoy watching your repair videos. I get a good laugh at your sense of humor. Keep up the good work. And post more videos of Chevy Truck repairs.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

+Justin Sero sr Will do, I have too much fun doing them. My wife constantly tells me I'm playing around too much and feels like she needs to crack the whip. She keeps it up I'm going to start doing video pranks on her. Haha. Take care.

[@sirsweetness8332]

2006 Duramax. Changed lower ball joint today. It was a ball joint from Iran!!!! Had to drill 5 relief holes on edge of joint close to arm for it to give up the ghost. 2 hours of pounding until I started “thinking” how to get this out. Also changed upper ball joint. That came out and in like butter. Arm was in good shape just needed a new ball joint. Also changed Timken hub, knuckle seal and backing plate.

[@robertmitchell7436]

Great job very interesting video. It helped me with the installation of the lower ball joints and upper control arms on my 2005 Hummer H2. Thanks Doc.

[@lazaruslong1971]

Great Video Dr! Thank you! About to do upper and lower control arms on my tahoe and you have really helped!

[@DaveBaldwin1]

"you can use a ball joint press to press this one out but I like to just beat the crap out out of it" LMAO, awesome! awesome channel, im subscribing. keep up the good work. i would have sworn that truck said something about your mother the way you took it apart.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Haha. Funny. I'm super glad you enjoyed it! See you around the shop.

[@chipjumper]

This is probably the best, most concise, no bullshit "how to" video on KZbin.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thanks. I appreciate the complement. Take it easy.

[@angelisone]

Now I can replace the control arms on the Porsche 959. Thank you for sharing your expert tips.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

+angelisone Well that one may be a little different animal but thanks for the complement!

[@mkl5448]

I like this guy, mostly just the business, with just a little comedy. Good mix.

[@dzydvl76]

I appreciate your help!! It was an asset for my 2008 Tahoe!! I wish I could show you how messed up my wife's truck was!!

[@agonzo9293]

this has been my guide for changing my upper arms and lower ball joints. thanks for taking the time to explain very helpful for us diy guys.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

+Arturo Gonzalez Thank you, glad it helped. KZbin is such a blessing for the DIY people! Stop by anytime.

[@jamesneve1863]

Thanks for this great video - clear - As I went along I wrote down the nut sizes and torque amounts (my memory being rather short) to speed things along. A grateful Canadian!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Glad it was helpful. Blessings!

[@jarodmorris611]

I do watch too many auto repair videos but that's just because I drive older vehicles and need to repair them. I'm about to rebuild the front end of my 2010 suburban. I like your style.

[@jameskelley1552]

Bravo. Nice to see people who know their job. Thanks for the Intel

[@dpete8995]

May I say... Badass! I'm gonna say, you've done that a time or two before! Fixin' to do the whole front end and steering gear on my 2500HD... Hope it goes that easy! Thanks for the pro demo...

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you. Since you not having to beat book time or set any records you can take your time and finish knowing you saved yourself a huge chunk of cash and made your truck handle like new again. Good luck and take care.

[@Horsedynamics]

Called a tech when we did my sons ball joints and was having a trouble getting them out, he said "put the purse down and hit it". Had to share that one.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Haha, funny. I'll have to use that one in a future vid.

[@peaceloveandpisgah]

My kind of video. Clear and to the point. You are good at what you do. Thank's.

[@Neicoman]

I love you man reminds me a lot of myself when I was your age.

[@jcshotem1k]

Thank you for your time and knowledge you put into this video I really appreciate it your we’re a huge help!!

[@fivecitydirttracker4776]

Thanks Doctor. About to install ball joints, inner/outer tie rods, Pittman and idler arms on 1995 k1500 fwd. Very helpful vedio as I'm a carpenter by trade. Have put new short block and transmission so this utube is great for info. Just need to find someone like you to show the proper instalation and ease that this type of project can be performed at. Now I'll search your channel for chevy steering linkage replacement. Again, very helpful and some humour too. Thanks again from central coast of California. George.

[@ronbloom9388]

Thanks Car Dr. I am about to do this a few other things while I am there. You made me have more confidence to do the Job. Dealer wanted $4,000 for everything I must do. Thanks again

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Nice!

[@2ToneCableDawg]

Car Doctor! thanks so much for this video. My passenger side lower BJ gave out while taking a right turn night before last on my '08 Hoe. I didn't have the luxury of power tools/ lift. unfortunately, let alone the proper tools (my neighbors provided). one jack, hand tools, a broken ball joint, an incorrect replacement ball joint (installed before realizing wrong one BC of longer threading) from A-Zone, a few beers, I replaced the upper and lower BJs, upper control arms. and breaks while I was there on both side of the front end. I will be taking it for an alignment tomorrow afternoon. My biggest issue was the springs. I couldn't follow along there, but I realized taking the strut off the lower control arm allowed me to move the springs just enough to get the bolts out of the upper control arm and replace. Great video none the less, I've subscribed to your channel. Thanks!!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you for the complements. Glad you got it. I'm sure the beer helped. Sorry for the delayed response. Take care and I will se you around.

[@firstlast-cx8xq]

So about 30 minutes per side. Lol, we are definitely watching a skilled Master tech at work. Not a skipped beat.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Its all video editing. Makes three hours of cussing and busting knuckles look like 20 mins of pure ecstasy.

[@georgerodriguez4051]

Great job, very informative with step by step procedure. Thanks alot

[@ThecardoctorTV]

+george rodriguez Super glad you liked it! Have a good one

[@stew1tx]

Dude I was just going to buy new lower arms with the ball joint already pressed in but after watching what had to be the fastest upper and lower change I’ve ever seen I might just get the tool and replace just the joint. Kudos to you

[@chironchangnoi]

I also lost my nuts in a previous marriage. Thanks for your video, although it doesn't apply specifically to the vehicle I'm working on, in general it's the best I've seen so far. You are a good man.

[@boaz87]

Your vids are some of the best on the interwebs; helped me with several big projects on my GMC and my Dodge; keep the great vids coming. Hope to stop in and see you at your shop soon as I just moved into Anchorage with my family.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thanks for the call yesterday. Look forward to meeting you sir. I might have more time to chat in a couple weeks. Blessings.

[@randyfrisina541]

This was better than any parts store manual. Thank you very much!!!!!!!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Randy Frisina Im glad you found it helpful. thanks for watching!

[@markkozak4065]

Feel confident i can do this job on my 04 Chevy truck.Without the air tools.Great video!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

+Mark Kozak thanks! A nice long handled 1/2" drive ratchet will be just a good as an impact. Good luck.

[@riog1300]

This guy has saved me so much money... Thanks Doctor

[@user-ui1yg3fl3q]

Very good video only wish he had the camera at a better angle so you didn't see mostly his back. He did a great job explaining the process.

[@sharonblubaugh1481]

Thank you for your video. It was informative and made me feel that if I had the right tools I can do the work myself. I grew up taking things apart with my father and miss his knowledge as well as my brother. I believe that I found there replacement in your videos. Bless you and I enjoyed the joking around. Sharon b

[@ThecardoctorTV]

+Sharon Blubaugh Thank you. My father was a great teacher as well and always took the time to show us how to fix things. Surely part of the reason I am a mechanic now. He left a big hole in my life with his passing and I miss him a bunch. Thank you for watching.

[@daveyf6b572]

just did this on my 2007 Suburban, great video, helped a lot! Being in the rust belt (Phila) I had to use a reciprocating saw to cut the upper controll arm bolts. Could not get them to come out, used 2 cans wd40, torch, and even the ball joint clamp to press them out, just bent the bolt.

[@polecat6518]

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[@polecat6518]

2107128

[@dontravis9829]

wish a shop like this was near my town.

[@ikipearl]

damn .... you reminded me of the Cowboys riding in the Rodeo where they chase down a cow and tie their feet together then throw their arms in the air when done😂 .... but it's probably gonna be the customer that throws his hands in the air at the costs of this repair😅... you definately deserve the prize money. Well done🙏

[@MrMrBurnablunt]

Just love watching the back of this dudes head the whole time nit being abke to see what he's doing

[@alaskasue212]

Yes I do Thank you Car DR. I have a GMC Van this is good info! your friend on you tube.

[@jimytaylor1157]

Another great video. You do the world a great service by putting relevant, intelligent, and coherent information out there. Your mannerisms are polite, your knowledge is extensive, and your tools are awesome....green handle Snap on....I LOVE that stuff. IR impact.....fugetaboutit....I already KNOW you KNOW what you're talking about. The best! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I can't believe you did this job in little over 1/2 an hour. I'm gonna go jump on mine right now. If I'm lucky, take me 1/2 a week...........

[@ThecardoctorTV]

+jimy taylor Haha, I think you're probably selling yourself short on the time it will take you but there is something to say for having all the right tools equipment and cool shop to do it in. I sure appreciate all the complements, makes what I do even more rewarding and satisfying. Good luck with your suspension.

[@MegaRanger8]

A great example of how to work smart and not hard!

[@garysmith5741]

Hey thanks, I’ll be doing that soon on my HD, the video will help a lot. Just found you on here, liked, subbed, rang bell and left a comment.

[@davidhoover8877]

Just wanted to say thank you for making this video and the one with the church van. You saved me a ton of money.Chattanooga, tn.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

+David Hoover Oh thank you, I totally enjoy making them. Glad it helped. Blessings!

[@Paul-rc1pk]

before old age and arthritis took my hands, i would have attempted this. Great vid and I like your humor!...:-)

[@dondorfman3951]

After watching a few millennials do the same thing nice to see a real mechanic get the job done without issue and with the right tools.

[@bigturclakelife1950]

Thanks for the wisdom and the laughs !! :)

[@keithlyon6263]

Great video! my son and I did the job in about 2 hours. thanks for posting!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

+Keith Lyon Nice job! I should hire you guys. Want to move to Alaska?

[@keithlyon6263]

+The Car Doctor. I'm sure Alaska is a great place to live, but being from Southern California the weather might do me in! Do you have a video about replacing the seals for the fuel filter adaptor, that's my next repair. I get a long crank and no start at times when it's hot (over 95) and the engine is hot. If you loosen the bleed screw and pump it you can get it to start but it's a pain. Thanks again.

[@michaelmahoney6583]

Thank you! love the videos, maximum therapeutic value indeed!

[@michaelmahoney6583]

If you ever get down to Phoenix, please replace my 1999 yukon front end. after seeing your video, I don't trust anyone down here. Thanks!

[@duckhunter4660]

Great vid. Thanks!! Very entertaining and helpful!! Thanks for making it look easy. Will probably only take me about 8 hours!!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you

[@MrKenzyte]

So THATS what the boot slot is for... learn something new every day. Thanks.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Glad it helped. Take care.

[@jamesisaac9209]

Awesome video!!! Best repair video I've ever seen!!

[@beveryquiet21]

Great video! Garage quoted me $1500 for the upper and lower ball joints on my gmc sierra. Your video and $300 in parts and I'm all done. Wished I could have seen more of what was in front of you but I got enough to pull it off. Thanks again! Fyi the sierra had to have the cast caps ground off the lower ball joint, that was fun.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thanks. Ive developed better filming in subsequent videos and should do a remake of this classic. Glad to hear you got it fixed up!

[@angelcorchado4410]

Definitely subscribed! Love the feedback with all the knowledge being shared. May you and your family be blessed forever.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you so much.

[@jimhalbert2290]

30 minutes of my life well spent. red locktite tip priceless. good vid

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you so much!

[@lesliepredium4122]

Thanks i have to the same job at home.Your a real mechanic i can trust .Stay cool man !

[@robertnewman1593]

You make it look fast and easy. I'm sure it is with the proper tools.

[@davidd6854]

Very good video. Fixing to do my 01 1500HD and I learned a lot from ur video. Thank u

[@bamabldr66]

My God your Video certainly helped me determine for certain that I had been screwed and screwed good! I had 2500.00 worth of work done to my 1999 Tahoe at a Shop I had used for nearly 25 years but NOT lately my Friends so they didn't know that I have worked on Trucks and Equipment some of which weighed in at over 40,000 pounds! I have had Ball Joints Fail twice on the road and 1 Brake System fail on a 10 wheel truck that weighed in at over 30,000 pounds - Hydraulic Brakes at that during my approach to a Weigh Station Scale with a Tank Truck in Front of me! I took her off the road and got and ovation from other truckers at the Station for NOT hitting that Tank Truck with a Boom that stuck out over the front of that my Rig! My Friend's thus I became as versed in Mechanics as I could because the Brakes on the Truck had been to a Reputable Truck Brakes Shop at least once prior to that day! I was 19 and my Dad who owned the Truck had been in a Construction Accident just Prior so I had no Experience then my Friends but I do now.. The Rubber Boots were left off the Lower Ball Joint on the Driver's Side and both Boots on the Passenger Side were left off where NO grease could be applied then I was told that the bearing was sealed a Dang Lie. Cotter Pins were NOT reinstalled on the rest of the front end parts that were installed! NOW the 1st Job that I purchased a Week Earlier that I am yet to be Satisfied with a Complete Brake Job with a Master Cylinder that works and looks like the Devil is in Question because I reported a Leak upon return to the shop to have the front end work done! I am NOT going to name the Shop Today because I am NOT like that and Never had to be so they deserve it but not Today - 7 Days since the last visit. 4 Total Visits. I am yet to be Satisfied and I know better! These Videos are an Invaluable tool for people to be able to prove a point and these folks maybe trying to prove a point..My God that is so True. I am too,

[@richardburns9772]

I love the way you say “nuts”

[@edgarcapacete5394]

I love the " release frustration from having to work on Ford's and stuff " comment. I totally agree.

[@snookeehook123]

Really good video, I think that you are a top quality mechanic! I just wished ya had other video recorders showing some of the things that I could not see while you were doing the wrenching in tight blind areas, But in all I think its a fantastic video! Thank You & God Be With Ya !!!!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

+Bruce Brooker Thanks Bruce! Looking into some new cameras to do just that but need to run it by my production equipment expense manager (the wife) :) thanks for stopping by!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Susanne Minogue , can be a source for noise but usually tends to be more of a creaking type noise than a squeak. Check bushings and dry joints for noise by using a long screwdriver held up to your ear while someone bounces on the suspension. Good luck with the fix!

[@TheSteves75]

car doc I have a question. hopefully you can help. I have a 06 trailblazer have a rear-end noise assuming wheel bearing. they have repair bearings for this application. it's wider then oem do you know if Iwill have a clearance issue when trying to put the c-clip back in the differential?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

I believe the repair bearings work with the original shafts and retainers but I haven't used one on this application so don't take my word for it. Probably need to consult the suppliers documentation for requirements.

[@TheSteves75]

+The Car Doctor Okay thank you very much for the response. Another reason I recommend your channel to everyone I know. I couldn't find much but I will just see you when I get in there. lol

[@Bejo-rv3le]

The Car Doctor Hey I have a 95 Silverado One day I was helping my friend move out her apartment so I loaded my pick up till you couldn't fit another box, then when I started driving I noticed my truck turned to the right pretty bad if I let go of the steering wheel, then the next day while driving on the freeway my truck started shaking Real BAD from the RIGHT front wheel , then I drove slowly till I got home and noticed that my hub cap had fallen , there was smoke coming out, and my Rim was cracked!! Please help !!! Thank you !

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Maybe just a bad rim. Probably start there and check bearings and steeeing components to make sure they are ok.

[@memeabdme73]

Also, you knocked this out in 30 min. The dealership quotes me 2.5 hrs. I hate the dealerships.

[@memeabdme73]

+word to your mother hey thanks guys. I am a bad person. Sorry to have given all mechanics a bad name.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

youre not a bad person, you cant be. Only good people watch Car Doctor Videos!

[@bigal1568]

Brother you are aces in my book.

[@wallycleaver1046]

love your channel, retired mechanic from health reasons. you remind me of the good times!

[@deloreshowell3035]

very well done and very helpful, Thanks!

[@extracelestial9941]

Thanks Doc, appreciate it!

[@andyb9994]

Not sure if will fix my head but will fix my truck, is it similar on a half ton Chevy 4x4, well done never seen anyone beet the ball joint out with a hammer so fast👍. Nice work.

[@danny117hd]

You made short work of this! I'm doing this to my Escalade this weekend plus rotors and pads.

[@kaylamarie8309]

the opener of this video is AWESOME! lol!

[@SingleCabCrew]

Thank you for these videos did my whole front suspension is now done everything went by soo much more smoother now next step for me is bigger cam and more nitrous on my little 5.3 im definitly subscribing to you sit

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thanks for the complements. You be careful not to feed her too much of the juice! Take care.

[@SingleCabCrew]

+The Car Doctor just a little 225 shot only because i like to party haha

[@ronlevy8445]

Thanks for the great video, appreciated!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

+Ron Levy thank you, blessings!

[@christyandrichdeming]

Great video doctor and very informative. I am doing this with my Duramax. Is there a part number for the install sleeve? The one I got from the parts store doesn't have it. Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@dellerbe]

Great Video! Very helpful. You make it look so easy, but if you don't have exactly the right tools the Ball Joints can be a bear! My 4x4 HD2500 I didn't have all of the correct adapters needed for it and it wasn't quite as easy as you make it look! But your video was very helpful! Good Job! Made me chuckle! HA!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thanks. Yes having the right tools makes it nice. Thanks for watching

[@MrThenry1988]

good chat doc. I'll keep an eye on ya. keep up the good work

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Sounds great!

[@JesusMercenary]

good stuff ..your real helpful in my repair this next week

[@ThecardoctorTV]

carl m Good deal, hope it goes well!

[@traderman4378]

Great video Doc, I'm doing bottom ball joints on my 08 2500 chevy 4X4. Your video is VERY helpful and entertaining also. Would you replace the front shafts if they slung grease on the inner fender? 1/2 hr. to do all that!, my hats off to you! Thanks for taking the time to make the videos they really help everyone!

[@mxr7586]

Didn’t even take you an hour for all that and shops say they charge by the hour yet some say they want a $1000 for both sides and a alignment which are usually $70 some. Good video.

[@eugenelaware2]

nice. thanks that video helped me alot.. just bought a 99 gmc sierra and I have to do the same thing..

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for dropping by!

[@daveharrison3655]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@johnfiorilla1477]

Love watching the dealership panic when a Silverado drives nuts after one of the normal guys monkeys some control arms in

[@johnmoore7353]

thanks for the video I have to do this soon to my 2004 Duramax

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Great! Good luck with the job. Thanks for watching.

[@MrShaneBenjamin]

Your Right! It did fix my head!

[@tomhenderson2430]

When 3200 people like this and 216 don't, I just have to assume that those 216 have never done this job. This was pretty much a perfect run. Faster than a lot of guys but not so fast that it gets frustratingly difficult. Good job.

[@willassmaximus]

Laughed quite a bit! Thanks for the video. I imagine you could use a pickle fork to separate the ball joints from the knuckle? I'm about to tackle this minus the upper control arm. EDIT: I just used a prybar and hammer and that worked. Took a lot of muscle to get all these parts off. Couldn't even use a press for the bottom ball joint so I just beat the piss out of it like you did.

[@zacharygardner1594]

Thank you for the video, helped me a bunch!!!

[@livinglifemyway7349]

Great video, I think this will help a lot. Can I do this job without a lift? or is a lift needed? thanks man

[@kaboomer4297]

You make it look easy. Well done video!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thanks!

[@TruckMaster]

Great video sir