Ball Joint: Service and Repair

Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair) .
3. Remove the lower control arm. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement (Service and Repair) .
4. Secure the lower control arm in a suitable vise.




5. Using the appropriate size drill, drill out the rivet heads from the lower control arm.




6. Using a hammer and a drift punch, remove the remaining rivets from the control arm.




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



Installation Procedure





1. Position the new ball joint in the lower control arm.





Important: Install the NEW ball joint bolts facing downward.


2. Install the NEW ball joint bolts.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice .

3. Install the NEW ball joint retaining nuts.

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

4. Install the lower control arm. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement (Service and Repair) .
5. Install the tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair) .
6. Remove the support and lower the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle