Ball Joint: Service and Repair

REMOVAL
1. Remove front wheel.
Torque: 103 Nm (76 ft. lbs.)





2. Remove brake caliper.
a. Remove the 2 bolts and caliper.
Torque: 118 Nm (87 ft. lbs.)
b. Support the brake caliper securely.
3. Disconnect tie rod end from lower joint.
a. Remove the clip and nut.
Torque: 87 Nm (64 ft. lbs.)





b. Using Special Service Tool (SST) 09610-20012 or equivalent, disconnect the tie rod end from the lower ball joint.
4. Disconnect lower ball joint from lower suspension arm.
a. Remove the cotter pin and nut.
Torque: 162 Nm (119 ft. lbs.)





b. Using SST 09628-62011, remove the lower ball joint.
5. Remove lower ball joint from steering knuckle.
Remove the 2 bolts and lower ball joint.
Torque: 113 Nm (83 ft. lbs.)

INSPECTION





Inspect-ball joint for rotation condition.
a. As shown, flip the ball joint stud back and forth 5 times, before installing the nut.
b. Using torque wrench, turn the nut continuously one turn per 2-4 seconds and take the torque reading on the 5th turn.
Turning torque: 0.1 - 3.0 Nm (0.9 - 26 inch lbs.)





HINT: Check for unusual resistance or looseness as you turn the torque wrench.


INSTALLATION
Installation is In the reverse order of removal. After installation, check front wheel alignment.