Lower Ball Joint Replacement (FE7)

Lower Ball Joint Replacement (FE7)

Tools Required
* J 39549Ball Joint and Tie Rod End Separator
* J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
* J 44254 Ball Joint Remover and Installer

Removal Procedure

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel.
3. Remove the wheel drive shaft nut.
4. Remove the brake caliper bolts.
5. Support and hang the caliper away from the brake rotor.
6. Remove the brake rotor.




7. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor connector.




8. Use the J 24319-B and separate the tie rod (1) from the knuckle (2).




9. Remove the nut from the ball joint stud.
10. Use J 39549 to separate the ball joint from the lower control arm.




11. Remove the strut to knuckle attaching nuts and bolts.
12. Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.
13. Remove the snap ring from the steering knuckle.
14. Place the knuckle in a vise.




15. Install the J 44254 and press the ball joint out of the knuckle.
16. Inspect the tapered hole in the lower control arm and remove any dirt. If this hole is out of round, deformed, or damaged, replace the control arm.

Installation Procedure

1. Using Loctite(R) Cleaning Solvent 755, or equivalent, clean the mounting surfaces of the steering knuckle and the new ball joint prior to installation. Do not apply solvent to the ball joint seal.
2. Install the ball joint into the steering knuckle.
1. Apply a 6 mm (0.236 in) bead of Loctite(R) 680 evenly to the ball joint prior to installation.
2. Position the ball joint in the steering knuckle with the grease fitting toward the rear of the vehicle.




3. Use the J 44254 and press in the ball joint.
- The ball joint will bottom on the steering knuckle.
- When installing the ball joint, make sure the notch in the tool aligns with the grease fitting.
3. Install the snap ring into the steering knuckle.





Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

4. Install the steering knuckle to the strut.

Tighten the strut to knuckle nuts to 177 N.m (131 lb ft).

5. Install the ball joint nut.

Tighten the ball joint nut to 30 N.m (22 lb ft). Then tighten the nut an additional 210 degrees.

6. Install the tie rod to the steering knuckle.

Tighten the tie rod to knuckle nut to 30 N.m (22 lb ft) and then an additional 200 degrees. Do not loosen the nut to align the cotter pin.

7. Install the cotter pin to the tie rod stud.




8. Install the wheel speed sensor connector.
9. Install the brake rotor.
10. Install the caliper and caliper bolts.
11. Install the tire and wheel.

Tighten wheel nuts to 125 N.m (80 lb ft).

12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment.