Ball Joint: Service and Repair

Lower Ball Joint Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tires and wheels.
3. Remove the lower control arm.
4. Secure the lower control arm in a vice.




5. Drill out the rivet heads from the lower control arm.




6. Use a hammer and a drift punch in order to remove the rivets from the lower control arm.




7. Remove the ball joint from the lower control arm.

Installation Procedure




1. Install the ball joint to the lower control arm.




2. Install the new ball joint bolts facing downward, away from the ball stud.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

3. Install the new ball joint retaining nuts.

Tighten the ball joint retaining nuts to 68 N.m (50 lb ft).

4. Install the lower control arm.
5. Install the tire and wheels.
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Align the front suspension.