Ball Joint: Service and Repair

Ball Joint-Lower

Special Tool(s):

Special Tool(s)

Removal and Installation
1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.





3. CAUTION: Do not allow the disc brake caliper to hang suspended from the brake hose. Provide a suitable support.

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.
1. Disconnect the ABS electrical connector.
2. Unclip the front 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.
^ Remove and discard the cotter pin and the castellated nut.





7. CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the tie-rod from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle will result.

CAUTION: Do not damage the tie-rod boot when installing the special tool.

Using the special tool, separate the tie-rod end from the front wheel knuckle.





8. Remove the lower ball joint castellated nut.
1. Remove and discard the cotter pin.
2. Remove and discard the castellated nut.





9. Using the special tool, separate the front wheel knuckle from the front suspension lower arm. Then, 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. Discard the snap ring.





13. Using a suitable ball joint remover tool, remove the ball joint.

14. CAUTION: Do not damage the ball joint boot when installing the special tool.

NOTE: Clean and inspect the control arm ball joint bore for damage before installing a new ball joint.

NOTE: Make sure the new ball joint snap ring is fully seated.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.
^ Always install new castellated nuts and cotter pins.