Ball Joint: Service and Repair

NOTE: The removal and installation of the lower ball joint from the lower control arm is to be done with the lower control arm removed from the vehicle. Refer to Control Arm, Service and Repair, Removal and Installation.

DISASSEMBLY






1. Using a screwdriver or other suitable tool, pry the seal boot off of the ball joint.
2. Position the Receiver, Special Tool 6908-2, on a hydraulic press to support the lower control arm. Place the control arm on top of Tool 6908-2 so that the bottom of the ball joint sets into the Receiver cup.






3. Place the larger end of the Adapter, Special Tool 6804, on top of the ball joint as shown.
4. Using the hydraulic press, press the ball joint completely out of the lower control arm, into the receiver.
5. Remove the tools, ball joint and arm from the hydraulic press.

ASSEMBLY






CAUTION: When installing a ball joint in its mounting hole in the lower control arm, position the ball joint so the notch in the ball joint stud is facing the lower control arm front isolator bushing. This will ease assembly of the ball joint to the steering knuckle when the installation of the pinch bolt is attempted.






1. By hand, position ball joint into it's bore on the lower control arm. To avoid binding upon installation, be sure the ball joint is not cocked in the bore.
2. Position the Installer, Special Tool 6758, on a hydraulic press to support the lower control arm. Place the control arm on top of Tool 6758 in the upside-down position, aligning the ball joint stud squarely with the Installer's cup.
3. Place the larger end of the Adapter, Special Tool 6804, on top of the ball joint as shown.
4. Using the hydraulic press, press the ball joint into the lower control arm until the shoulder on the ball joint bottoms against the lower control arm ball joint bore. Do not apply excessive pressure against ball joint and lower control arm once the ball joint bottoms.
5. Remove the tools and arm from the hydraulic press.






CAUTION: When installing the sealing boot on the ball joint, position the upward lip on the outside perimeter of the seal boot outward, away from the control arm once installed. It is there to help shield heat from the sealing boot.

6. Place a new ball joint seal boot over the ball joint stud. The upward lip located on the outside perimeter of the seal boot must point outward away from the control arm once installed. Start the sealing boot over the sides of the ball joint by hand.
7. Position the Installer, Special Tool 6758, over the sealing boot outer diameter as shown. By hand, apply pressure to the top of the Installer until the seal boot is pressed squarely down against the top surface of lower control arm.
8. Remove the tool.
9. Install the lower control arm on the vehicle. Refer to Control Arm, Removal and Installation, Lower.

NOTE: If the ball joint is equipped with a lubeable grease fitting, the joint will need to be lubricated once the lower control arm installation is complete.