Ball Joint

Removal & Installation

Upper Ball Joint

NOTE: The upper ball joint is non-serviceable. If the ball joint requires replacement, the upper control arm must be replaced. Refer to Upper Control Arm procedure.

Lower Ball Joint

To Remove:

1. Put the vehicle in NEUTRAL, then raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.

   CAUTION
   Do not let the disc brake caliper hang from the brake hose. Support it appropriately.

3. Remove the caliper support bracket bolts, then position the caliper and support bracket aside.
4. Disconnect the front anti-lock brake sensor (ABS) wire from the vehicle frame.
5. Using a suitable jack, support the front suspension lower arm.
6. Remove the tie-rod end castellated nut and cotter pin and throw away.

   CAUTION
   Do not use a hammer to separate the tie-rod and the wheel knuckle or the result will be damage to the wheel knuckle.

   CAUTION
   Be careful not to damage the tie-rod boot while installing the tie-rod end remover tool (211-001).

7. Use the tie-rod end remover tool (211-001) to separate the tie-rod end from the front wheel knuckle.

   Use the special tool to separate the tie rod end from the knuckle

8. Remove the lower ball joint castellated nut and cotter pin and throw away.
9. Use the C-frame and screw installer/remover tool (211-023) to separate the front wheel knuckle from the front suspension lower arm. Next, loosely install the lower ball joint castellated nut.
10. Remove the pinch bolt and nut.
11. Remove the hand-tightened lower ball joint castellated nut, then remove the front wheel knuckle.
12. Remove the snap ring from the ball joint. Throw away the snap ring.
13. Use an appropriate ball joint remover tool to remove the ball joint.

CAUTION
When installing the special tool, be careful not to damage the ball joint boot.

To Install:

NOTE: Thoroughly clean and examine the control arm ball joint bore for signs of damage prior to installing a new ball joint.

NOTE: Be sure to completely seat the new ball joint snap ring.

1. Install the ball joint.
2. Install a new snap ring.
3. Install the front wheel knuckle.
4. Install the pinch bolt and nut.
   • Torque 41 ft-lb (55 Nm).
5. Use the C-frame and screw installer/remover tool (211-023) to connect the front wheel knuckle to the front suspension lower arm.
6. Install the new lower ball joint castellated nut and new cotter pin.
   • Torque to 98 ft-lb (133 Nm).
7. Connect the tie-rod end to the front wheel knuckle.
8. Install the new tie-rod end castellated nut and new cotter pin.
   • Torque to 52 ft-lb (70 Nm).
9. Connect the front ABS wire to the vehicle frame.
10. Install the caliper support bracket and bolts.
    • Torque to 83 ft-lb (112 Nm).
11. Install the wheel and tire assembly.
12. Safely lower the vehicle.