Ball Joint: Service and Repair

Lower Ball Joint Replacement

Tools Required

J 41820 Ball Joint/Stud Separator

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel.
3. Drill a pilot hole through the rivets.
4. Drill the remainder of the rivets.
5. Use a hammer and a chisel in order to remove the remainder of the rivet heads.
6. Remove the cotter pin from the ball stud.
7. Loosen the ball stud nut.




8. Install the J 41820 over the ball stud and lower control arm.
9. Rotate the ball stud nut counterclockwise in order to separate the ball stud from the steering knuckle.
10. Remove the J 41820.
11. Remove the ball stud nut.




12. Remove the ball stud from the lower control arm.

Installation Procedure




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




2. Install the NEW ball stud bolts facing down, away from the ball stud.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

3. Install the NEW ball stud nuts.

Tighten the NEW ball stud nuts to 68 N.m (50 lb ft).

4. Install the ball stud to the steering knuckle.
5. Install the ball stud castle nut.

Tighten the nut to 20 N.m (15 lb ft) plus an additional 120 degrees




6. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends.
7. Install the tire and wheels.
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment in Wheel Alignment.