Ball Joint: Service and Repair

Fig. 7 Assembling Lower Ball Joint To Lower Control Arm:

1. Raise and support vehicle, then remove wheel and tire.
2. Install modified tool No. J 34754, or equivalent, then remove ball joint attaching cotter pin.
3. Remove ball joint stud retaining nut, then using tool No. J-38892, or equivalent, separate ball joint from steering knuckle.
4. Using a 1/8 inch drill, drill pilot holes completely through the rivets. Using a 1/2 inch drill, drill final holes through rivets to ensure fitting of new ball joint.
5. Loosen stabilizer shaft assembly bushing attaching nut.
6. Remove ball joint from steering knuckle and control arm.
7. Assemble new ball joint to lower control arm with bolts provided in service package, Fig. 7. Tighten bolts to specification.
8. Insert ball joint stud into steering knuckle and tighten nut to specifications.
9. Install wheel and tire.