In this video, I replace the upper ball joints in my C5 steering knuckles (also known as uprights or spindles) and upgrade the stock hubs to SKF racing hubs.
So far, I'm not noticing a difference. My front brakes don't overheat at all. Pad wear seems to be about the same. At this point, I'd say it's not worth the effort and cost to add them.
I noticed that you did not use any heat on the upright to facilitate pressing the ball joint in. When you have installed ball joints in lower control arms is that also the case? Some people have posted that without applying heat the spindle or control arm will be destroyed while others have said heat is not required. Your work is consistently excellent so I would like to get your opinion on this. Also, apparently the Moog heavy duty ball joints are no longer available. Have you ever used the Howe Racing ball joints? Thank you.
When I did it the first time on the black car, I put the ball joints in the freezer overnight. I noticed very little difference between cold and room temp. As long as you line them up straight before pressing them in, I don’t see how you would damage the knuckles or control arms. I have not tried heat on the control arm. I don’t think it would hurt anything but suspect a result similar to freezing.
Not a need, but I would say that extended studs are more convenient. When changing wheels, you have to hold the wheel in place to thread on the lugs by hand. With extended studs, there’s enough length to let the wheel rest and start the lugs without holding the wheel in place.
I’ve been slowly increasing camber since we added the rear spoiler. I’m currently at 2.7 in the front and 1.5 in the rear. Did not run tire temps at the last race to confirm but tire wear looks better.
I definitely need to do this for my car. Thank you for posting this sir
You’re welcome! Good luck with your upgrades!
As always great info and well presented
Thanks for all these videos! Any chance you have an update on whether the lack of brake ducts made a difference?
So far, I'm not noticing a difference. My front brakes don't overheat at all. Pad wear seems to be about the same. At this point, I'd say it's not worth the effort and cost to add them.
@@joshc1017 Good to know, thanks. We will see how mine feel for this season and I can always add later if it becomes an issue. :)
I noticed that you did not use any heat on the upright to facilitate pressing the ball joint in. When you have installed ball joints in lower control arms is that also the case? Some people have posted that without applying heat the spindle or control arm will be destroyed while others have said heat is not required. Your work is consistently excellent so I would like to get your opinion on this.
Also, apparently the Moog heavy duty ball joints are no longer available. Have you ever used the Howe Racing ball joints? Thank you.
When I did it the first time on the black car, I put the ball joints in the freezer overnight. I noticed very little difference between cold and room temp. As long as you line them up straight before pressing them in, I don’t see how you would damage the knuckles or control arms. I have not tried heat on the control arm. I don’t think it would hurt anything but suspect a result similar to freezing.
I have not tried Howe racing yet.
@@joshc1017 Thank you very much Josh. I really appreciate your expert advice.
hello. Have you found a need for the longer studs yet?
Not a need, but I would say that extended studs are more convenient. When changing wheels, you have to hold the wheel in place to thread on the lugs by hand. With extended studs, there’s enough length to let the wheel rest and start the lugs without holding the wheel in place.
What do you set your -camber at on the front and the rear??
I’ve been slowly increasing camber since we added the rear spoiler. I’m currently at 2.7 in the front and 1.5 in the rear. Did not run tire temps at the last race to confirm but tire wear looks better.