Ball Joint: Service and Repair

Ball Joint-Lower, 4WD

Special Tool(s)

Special Tool(s):

Material

Material:

Removal and Installation
1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.





2. Remove and discard the nut.





3. NOTE: The wheel speed sensor connectors are located in the engine compartment and are secured to the fender aprons.

Disconnect the wheel speed sensor connector.
4. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.





5. Detach the harness from the retainers.





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

Remove the bolts and position the brake caliper and support bracket aside.





7. Remove the brake disc.





8. CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the outboard CV joint from the hub. Damage to the threads and internal CV joint components can result.

Using the special tool, press the outboard CV joint until it is loose in the hub.





9. Remove and discard the cotter pin and the castellated nut.





10. 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 from the wheel knuckle.





11. Remove and discard the cotter pin and the castellated nut.





12. CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle will result.

Using the special tool, separate the lower ball joint from the wheel knuckle. Reinstall and hand-tighten the lower ball joint castellated nut.





13. Remove and discard the upper ball joint nut.





14. CAUTION: Secure the front axle shaft to prevent the CV joint and boots from overextending. Failure to do so can cause damage to the CV joint and boots.

CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle will result.

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

Using the special tool, separate the upper ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
15. Remove the hand-tightened lower ball joint castellated nut and remove the wheel knuckle.





16. Remove the snap ring from the ball joint. Discard the snap ring.





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

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

NOTE: Apply a thin coat of silicone sealant to the wheel hub mounting surfaces before installation.

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.