Rear Suspension

Ball Joint Removal
Special Tools Required
^ Ball joint remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL0A202
^ Ball joint thread protector, 12 mm 07AAF-SDAA100

NOTICE: Always use a ball joint remover to disconnect a ball joint. Do not strike the housing or any other part of the ball joint connection to disconnect it.





1. Install the ball joint thread protector or a hex nut onto the threads of the ball joint (A) by hand until it stops. To prevent damage to the threaded end of the ball joint pin.





2. Apply grease to the ball joint remover on the areas shown (A). This will ease installation of the ball joint remover and prevent damage to the pressure bolt (B) threads.





3. Loosen the pressure bolt (A), and install the ball joint remover as shown. Insert the jaws carefully, making sure not to damage the ball joint boot. Adjust the jaw spacing by turning the adjusting bolt (B).

NOTE: Fasten the safety chain (C) securely to a suspension arm or the subframe (D). Do not fasten it to a brake line or wire harness.

4. After adjusting the adjusting bolt, make sure the head (E) of the adjusting bolt is in the position shown to allow the jaw to pivot.
5. With a wrench, tighten the pressure bolt until the ball joint pin pops loose from the steering arm or knuckle. If necessary, apply penetrating type lubricant to loosen the ball joint pin.

NOTE: Do not use pneumatic or electric tools on the pressure bolt.

6. Remove the tool, then remove the nut from the end of the ball joint pin, and pull the ball joint out of the steering arm or knuckle. Inspect the ball joint boot, and replace it if damaged.

Ball Joint Boot Replacement
Special Tools Required
Ball joint boot clip guide 07GAG-SD40700

1. Remove the boot clip and the boot.





2. Pack the interior and lip (A) of a new boot with grease. Keep the grease off of the boot-to-knuckle mating surface (B).
3. Wipe the grease off the tapered portion of the pin (C), and pack fresh grease into the base (D). Do not let dirt, or other foreign materials get into the boot.
4. Install the boot on the ball joint, then squeeze it gently to force out any air.





5. Adjust the special tool with the adjusting bolt (A) until its base is just above the groove around the bottom of the boot. Then slide the clip (B) over the tool and into position on the boot.
6. After installing a boot, wipe any grease off the exposed portion of the ball joint pin.