GREASEABLE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (NEW SERVICE PART)

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1988-89 C1 C2 C3 TRUCKS

Greaseable lower control arm ball joints are now available for service use on 1988-89 C Trucks. The greasable ball joints may be used to replace current Production ball joints which are permanently sealed.

The new greasable ball joints incorporate a zerk fitting at the base (visible at the bottom of the control arm) to allow for maintenance (see figure 1A). Also shown in figure 1A is the path that grease will follow as it is purged from the ball joint at the interface of the rubber dust cover and the ball joint shell (or socket). Customers should be given the information slip, shown in figure 1B, which explains their responsibility for maintaining the ball joints. This slip is packaged with the service ball joint.

Service Procedure:

When replacing the C truck lower ball joint, care should be taken to follow the removal and installation instructions given in section 3C-14 of service manual X8931. This procedure requires the use of tools J-9519-D (Ball Joint remover and Installer Set) and J-23742 (Ball Joint Separator).

The above tools are necessary for correct removal/installation as the ball joints are pressed into or out of the control arm.

NOTICE: Removal and/or installation of the ball joint by the use of a hammer, may cause damage to the ball joint and/or the control arm.

NOTICE: No attempt should be made to grease, or provide a means for greasing permanently sealed ball joints. No means of purging old grease exists and premature wear may result.

Service Parts Information:

Part number Description: ----------- ------------ 15657212 C1, C2, C3 Lower control arm ball joint kit

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.