Ball Joint: Service and Repair

Lower Ball Joint Replacement

^ Tools Required
- J 43828 Ball Joint Separator

Removal Procedure





1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.

Notice: Care must be exercised to prevent the drive axle joints from being over-extended. When either end of the shaft is disconnected, over-extension of the joint could result in separation of the internal components and possible joint failure. Drive axle joint boot protectors should be used any time service is performed on or near the drive axles. Failure to observe this can result in interior joint or boot damage and possible joint failure.

2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Remove the wiring harness from the lower control arm.
4. Remove the stabilizer shaft link.
5. Remove the cotter pin (1) and the nut (2) from the ball joint stud (3).





Notice: Use only the recommended tool for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use the recommended tool may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.

6. Separate the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle using the J43828.





7. Remove the bolts (7) and the nuts (8) from the lower control arm (9).
8. Remove the rear crossmember bolts (3) from the lower control arm (9).
9. Remove the lower control arm (9) from the crossmember (4).
10. Install the control arm (4) into a vice.
11. Drill out the three rivets retaining the ball joint to the lower control arm. Use a 3 mm (1/8 inch) drill bit to make a pilot hole through the rivets. Finish drilling the rivets with a 13 mm (1/2 inch) drill bit.
12. Remove the ball joint from the lower control arm.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the ball joint (4) in the control arm (2).
2. Install the three ball joint bolts (3) and nuts (1) as shown on the instruction sheet in the ball joint kit.
Tighten the ball joint bolts to specifications found in the ball joint kit.





3. Install the lower control arm (9) to the crossmember (4).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

4. Install the rear crossmember bolts (3) to the lower control arm (9).
^ Tighten the bolt to 245 Nm (180 ft. lbs.) plus 180 degrees of rotation.
5. Install the bolts (7) and the nuts (8) to the lower control arm (9).
^ Tighten the bolts to 115 Nm (84 ft. lbs.).





6. Install the steering knuckle to the ball joint stud (3).
7. Install the nut (2) to the ball joint stud (3).
^ Tighten the nut to 55 Nm (41 ft. lbs.) minimum, 65 Nm (55 ft. lbs.) maximum, to install the cotter pin.
8. Install the cotter pin (1).
9. Install the stabilizer shaft link.
10. Install the wiring harness to the lower control arm.
11. Install the tire and wheel assemblies.
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Inspect the front wheel alignment.