When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
SS Specific Service Issues/RepairsService/Repairs specific to the SS. Turbo-Brembo Brakes-2.0 Engine-Limited Slip Differential-Programmable Display-MU3 Transmission
On the other hand , if I owned an SS with the FE5 suspension, I would order a set of those now, they are out of production 10 years now and are specifically SS because of the ball Joints
OK, since we touched on ball joints, could we review exactly what the difference is between the ball joints for SS and LS/LT, and what the options and pitfalls are for replacing? I particular, can I put the correct SS ball joint on any LCA? Is it better to just get the whole LCA assy for SS? I’m still confused.
The only known source for SS ball joints is new GM SS control arms. If an SS needs a new ball joint, you have to buy the complete control arm. The stud that fits into the steering knuckle is a different size, larger than the LT/LS. Installing an LT/LS ball joint on an SS creates a very unsafe driving condition.
LS/LT ball joint stub is 19mm the SS is 20.5 mm so they will fit but you’ll crack the steering knuckle torquing the pinch bolts.
As of now nobody makes replacement ball joints for the SS.
In order to replace the SS ball joints you must order GM LCA’s, as stated in here
OK reading this, the subject moved from LCA bushings to ball joints.
My understanding is MOOG make updated rear LCA bushings that fit any Aluminium control regardless of the year.
As far as ball joint stud OD. The LT/LS is 19mm and the SS is 20.5.
I have brought this up before where you could use shim stock. You can make up the difference between the two OD parts.
Converting metric to SAE it's only .063" difference.
I know most backyard mechanics don't/won't know how to do this, but it is possible to do this without buying new SS lower control arms with ball joints.
You would need .0300" shim stock to do this.
Yeah I know. "But the part is modified."
Sometimes you have to think outside the box.
Maybe, Cat Man. But there's also the pinch bolt and the groove in the stud that accepts the pinch bolt. We don't have any specs on the ball joints for that. Are the grooves different? Will they need shim stock somehow bent into them? How thick? How would that be accomplished?
Crate Engine Depot has the LCAs for around $150 each. I should search and find the best deal, and order.
I believe I'm still on the original LCAs.
Oldblue, mine had the hinged bushings in them. Maybe FMG still has the original bushings, and can tell us what style they are. But you're right, it really doesn't matter, anyone who is replacing their bushings really should go to the problem solvers anyway.
EDIT: My memory is not 100% that they were hinged. I may be a bit unhinged myself
Last edited by RJ_RS_SS_350; 07-08-2020 at 03:09 PM.
FMG just PMed me, his also came with the hinged design bushings. However, the photos I've seen online, of the new GM SS LCAs, seem to have the solid bushings. They're not particularly high quality pics, so not 100% sure.
Yes Randy. Doesn't really matter I guess.
For what it's worth, my SS has the bushings like pictured below. I bought my car new, so that's what came in it from the factory since I've never changed them.
Maybe, Cat Man. But there's also the pinch bolt and the groove in the stud that accepts the pinch bolt. We don't have any specs on the ball joints for that. Are the grooves different? Will they need shim stock somehow bent into them? How thick? How would that be accomplished?
You would take .030" shim stock and make it into a split tube bushing, install it and where the pinch bolt goes thru you grind that area away.
I know it's frustrating with this ball joint thing.
I can't believe the SS HHR and Cobalt (?) only use it.
Would like to know what the difference is in the steering knuckle of the FE1/3 vs the FE5 except for the ball joint stud diameter.
07-08-2020, 09:06 AM
