Ball Joint: Service and Repair

Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement

Special Tools

* CH 49240 - Ball Joint Crimper and Install Kit

* J 41805 - Ball Joint remover/Installer

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools Tools and Equipment.

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.

Note: When removing the knuckle, DO NOT remove any of the brake or electrical components from the knuckle. Secure the knuckle assembly to the side.

2. Remove the knuckle from the vehicle. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement (1500) Steering Knuckle Replacement (1500)Steering Knuckle Replacement (2500) Steering Knuckle Replacement (2500).




3. Using a hammer and a chisel, remove the lock tabs (1) from the lower ball joint.





Note: Ensure that the upper ball joint is not being rubbed on the ratchet during the removal or installation of the lower ball joint. Rubbing on the upper ball joint seal will cause premature failure of the upper ball joint.

4. Using the J 41805 - remover/installer (1) and the appropriate adapter, remove the lower ball joint (2).

Installation Procedure




1. Position the lower ball joint (1) in the lower control arm.




2. Align the lower ball joint grease fitting (1) with the channel (2) in the lower control arm





Note: Ensure that the upper ball joint is not being rubbed on the ratchet during the removal or installation of the lower ball joint. Rubbing on the upper ball joint seal will cause premature failure of the upper ball joint.

3. Using the J 41805 - remover/installer (1), the appropriate adapter (3), and the CH 49240 - install Kit (2), install the lower ball joint.




4. Ensure that the ball joint (2) is fully seated against the lower control arm (1).




5. Using a hammer and a punch, created the lock tabs (1) for the lower ball joint.

6. Install the knuckle. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement (1500) Steering Knuckle Replacement (1500)Steering Knuckle Replacement (2500) Steering Knuckle Replacement (2500).

7. Install the lower ball joint stud nut and tighten to:

* First Pass: 50 Nm (37 lb ft)

* Final Pass: additional 95 degrees

8. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.