98 Buick Lesabre custom rear lower ball joint question

[JahMahn]

Seeing if anyone has any info on replacing a real lower ball joint for a 1998 buick lesabre custom .

 

[delstele]

Rock auto part has the whole lower control arm with a new ball joint for around $60 much easier to replace the whole unit..

 

[JahMahn]

Much thanks on the info. I wasn't able to locate that exact part though... Seeing if by chance you have a link for the rear control arm. Thank you

 

[JahMahn]

After doing work on the driver side rear suspension (Coil Spring (seats)/Insulators) I noticed a difference in what I am trying to fix and that is a very annoying noise coming from the rear end. Has a terrible squeaking noise even when someone sits down in the back. It does hall all new monroe struts around it. So that I know is solid. The rear insulators to the coil springs are and have been discontinued for a while now through every company. Had to turn to last resort and hit a low mileage one up a local pick and pull. Scored some decent one but wrapped them just to keep their structure more composed. After doing so on the rear driver side I have noticed a slight improvement. I dont know for certain if it has solved it because I have yet had time to do the rear passenger side yet. If what I am thinking though is correct, then this is not the cause of the issue and if so can anyone suggest the next place I start to look. I was thinking the rear ball joints but so many people seem to not know much about the le sabre. I am pretty certain they do have rear lower ball joints if i am not mistaken. If anyone can help that would be killer. thanks

 

[HotZ28]

I was thinking the rear ball joints but so many people seem to not know much about the le sabre. I am pretty certain they do have rear lower ball joints if i am not mistaken. If anyone can help that would be killer. thanks

You are correct, there is a lower ball-joint. On most of the earlier models, there was a grease fitting at that location and quick-lub joints will never grease them, due to the fact they never look at the back suspension. If the ball-joint is actually the problem, you may be better off to replace the lower control arm, with the ball-joint included. Here is a diagram of the rear suspension on your car. Notice, the ball-joint (item #37) is not listed in the parts list, which either means, it is no longer available, or it is included with the LCA?

http://parts.nalleygmc.com/showAsse...1998&ukey_category=19548&ukey_trimLevel=14629

 

[JahMahn]

Thanks hotz28, that was exactly what I was thinking as well. Now all I need to locate is the ball joint\control arm combo for the rear. They do make the front combo but yet have I see the rear. Would you by chance know if at worst case what the procedure is to replace the rear ball joint? Funny how a lot of parts have been discontinued for this car. Its a 98. Its only got 135k. Fully flipped her around. Lovely cruise Just want to work out the final details which has a lot to do with this noise. So any help in getting this resolved is super appreciated. Always nice to set goals and see them through to accomplishment

 

[HotZ28]

I have no idea why anyone does not offer the LCA with ball joint, but it appears that is the fact for this particular year. It looks like the rear ball joints are a press fit into the LCA, which would require professional tools & equipment to replace. You can buy the rear individual ball joints, but you should replace with only the top tier brands, shuch as Moog, Raysbestos, or ACDelco. You will have to ask local shops if they have the tools & equipment to do the replacement.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1031739&cc=1303287

http://www.rockauto.com/info/Moog/MOOG_PS_Bulletin_27015.pdf

 

[DRob]

Seeing if anyone has any info on replacing a real lower ball joint for a 1998 buick lesabre custom .

JahMahn,
I just replaced both my rear struts on my 1999 La Sabre. I decided to replace the ball joints and tie rod ends. It looks like the ball joints are an integral part of the a frame. No rivets. So the whole a frame has to get replaced it looks like. Guess I will replace the tie rod ends and call it good.

 

[HotZ28]

JahMahn,
I just replaced both my rear struts on my 1999 La Sabre. I decided to replace the ball joints and tie rod ends. It looks like the ball joints are an integral part of the a frame. No rivets. So the whole a frame has to get replaced it looks like. Guess I will replace the tie rod ends and call it good.

If you have any questions, post a new thread. This thread is getting OLD (6+yrs). Do the rear ball joints have grease fittings on them? If so, when was the last time they were lubricated? Quick lube & Walmart never look at the rear suspension when doing a quick oil change! 🙁