Upper

Upper Ball Joint Replacement (RWD)

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

- J 23742 Ball Joint Separator

Caution: Floor jack must remain under the lower control arm during removal and installation to retain the lower control arm in position. Failure to do so could result in personal injury.




1. Raise and suitably support lower control arm with safety stands.
2. Because the weight of the vehicle is used to relieve spring tension on the upper control arm, position the floor stands between the spring seats and the ball joints of the lower control arms.
3. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.

Notice: Support the caliper with a piece of with to prevent damage to the brake line.

4. Remove the brake caliper.
5. Remove the cotter pin.
6. Remove wheel speed sensor electrical connector from upper control arm.
7. Disconnect wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
8. Remove the upper ball joint stud nut.




9. Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle using J 23742.
10. Apply pressure on the tool until the stud breaks loose.
11. Remove J23742.
12. Pull the ball joint stud away from the steering knuckle.




13. Remove the rivets from the upper ball joint.
14. Use a 3.175 mm (1/8 in) drill in order to cut a 6.35 mm (1/4 in) deep hole in the center of each rivet.




15. Drill away the rivet heads. Use a 12.7 mm (1/2 in) drill.




16. Punch the rivets out. Use a small pin punch.




17. Remove the upper ball joint.

Installation Procedure

1. Install a new upper ball joint to the upper control arm.
2. Install the upper ball joint retaining bolts and nuts.
Tighten
Tighten the upper ball joint retaining nuts to 23 N.m (17 lb ft).




3. Install the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle.
4. Install the upper ball joint stud nut.
Tighten
- Tighten the upper ball joint stud nut to 83 N.m (61 lb ft).
- Tighten the stud nut in order to align the slot in the stud nut with the hole in the stud.




5. Install a new cotter pin.
6. Install the grease fittings.
7. Lubricate the upper ball joint.
8. Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
9. Install the wheel speed sensor electrical connector to the upper control arm
10. Install the brake caliper.
11. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Check the front wheel alignment.