Ball Joint: Service and Repair

REMOVAL
1. REMOVE FRONT WHEEL
Torque: 103 Nm (1,050 kgf-cm, 76 ft. lbs.)





2. REMOVE BRAKE CALIPER
a. Remove the 2 bolts and caliper.
Torque: 118 Nm (1,200 kgf-cm, 87 ft. lbs.)
b. Support the brake caliper securely.
3. DISCONNECT TIE ROD END FROM LOWER BALL JOINT
a. Remove the clip and nut
Torque: 87 Nm (890 kgf-cm, 64 ft. lbs.)





b. Using SST, disconnect the tie rod end from the lower ball joint.
SST 09610-20012
4. DISCONNECT LOWER BALL JOINT FROM LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
a. Remove the cotter pin and nut.
Torque: 162 Nm (1,650 kgf-cm, 119 ft. lbs.)





b. Using SST, remove the lower ball joint.
SST 09628-62011
5. REMOVE LOWER BALL JOINT FROM STEERING KNUCKLE
Remove the 2 bolts and lower ball joint.
Torque: 113 Nm (1,150 kgf-cm, 83 ft. lbs.)

INSPECTION
INSPECT BALL JOINT FOR ROTATION CONDITION





a. As shown, flip the ball joint stud back and forth 5 times, before installing the nut.





b. Using torque wrench, turn the nut continuously one turn per 2 - 4 seconds and take the torque reading on the 5th turn.
Turning torque: 0.1 - 3.0 Nm (1 - 30 kgf-cm, 0.9 - 26 inch lbs.)

HINT: Check for unusual resistance or looseness as you turn the torque wrench.

INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
AFTER INSTALLATION, CHECK FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT