Ball Joint: Service and Repair

NOTE: The removal and installation of the lower ball joint, front isolator bushing, and rear isolator bushing from the lower control arm is only to be done with the lower control arm removed from the vehicle.

Ball Joint Seal Boot Removal:

1. Using a screw driver or other suitable tool, pry the seal boot off of the ball joint.

Removing Ball Joint From Control Arm:

2. Position Receiving Cup, Special Tool 6758, on an arbor press to support lower control arm. Place the control arm on top of Tool 6758 so that the bottom of the ball joint sets into the receiving cup. Install Remover/Installer, Special Tool 6804, on top of the ball joint as shown.
3. Using the arbor press, press the ball joint assembly completely out of the lower control arm into the receiving cup. Remove the ball joint and arm from the press.

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.

4. By hand, position ball joint assembly into ball joint bore of lower control arm. Be sure the ball joint is not cocked in the bore of the control arm to avoid binding upon installation.

Installing Ball Joint In Control Arm:

5. Position the arm and ball joint in an arbor press in the upside-down position placing Receiving Cup, Special Tool 6758, under the lower control arm where the ball joint is positioned. Install Remover/Installer, Special Tool 6804, on top of the bottom of the ball joint.
6. Carefully align all pieces for installation. Using the arbor press, apply pressure against ball joint pressing it down into the arm until the ball joint is fully seated against bottom surface of the lower control arm. Do not apply excessive pressure against ball joint and lower control arm. Remove the arm and tools from the press.
7. Turn the arm right-side-up. Install a new ball joint sealing boot over the ball joint stud. Install the sealing boot as far as possible over the sides of the ball joint.

Ball Joint Seal Boot Installation:

8. Position Receiving Cup, Special Tool 6758, over the sealing boot outer diameter so it is aligned with bottom the edge of sealing boot. By hand, apply pressure to the top of the receiving cup until the sealing boot is pressed squarely against top surface of lower control arm.
9. Install the lower control arm on the vehicle.

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