I have just aquired a '64 Rivera and after checking the brakes and repacking the front wheel bearings I thought a grease job was in order but when I went to grease the lower ball joints the right angle grease fitting was too far up in the pocket to get the grease gun on. IF memory serves me correct this is an indication the joint has too much wear. Is this correct? Or is the grease fitting angled wrong. Thank's, Dave Johnson
From the general GM knowledge I have retained it sounds correct that this is the wear indicator. Unless someone knows anything different about this specific car?
To check the ball joints for wear, you have to first take the wieght off of them. Place a floor jack under the lower control arm and jack up the car until the tire comes off the ground a little. Place a short piece of 2x4 or scrap wood in front of the tire to act as a fulcrum. Get a long prybar and place the end of the bar under the tire. I have a three foot long prybar I use for this. Using the wood to pry against, put some pressure on the bottom of the tire, prying upwards. If the ball joint has play in it, you should feel movement. You may want to have a helper pry on the tire as you look at the ball joints with a flashlight. If any movement is noticed, they are no good and need to be replaced. While your checking the front end out, check the centerlink, idler arm and tie rod ends for play as well. Have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth as you look at the steering linkage. Again, any side to side movement in the joints is no good Also check the strut rod bushings. If these are worn, the car will wander all over the road.
