Ball Joint: Service and Repair

Ball Joint

Special Tool(s)

Special Tool(s):

Material:

Cast Aluminum Lower Arm:

Stamped Steel Lower Arm:

Removal

All vehicles


1. Remove the wheel knuckle.

2. Remove and discard the lower ball joint snap ring.

Vehicle equipped with stamped steel lower arm

3. Using the special tools, remove the lower ball joint.






Vehicle equipped with cast aluminum lower arm

4. Using the special tools, remove the lower ball joint.






Installation

Vehicle equipped with stamped steel lower arm


1. CAUTION: Do not damage the lower ball joint boot when installing the ball joint or premature failure of the ball joint may occur.

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

Using the special tools, install the lower ball joint.
Install the ball joint snap ring.






Vehicle equipped with cast aluminum lower arm


2. Using a clean shop towel and the specified surface cleaner, clean the lower arm ball joint bore and inspect for cracks or damage before installing a new ball joint. If there is evidence of cracks or damage, a new lower arm must be installed.






3. CAUTION: Use care to prevent adhesive from contacting the ball joint boot or damage to the boot may occur, causing premature ball joint failure.

NOTE: To allow the adhesive to fully cure, the vehicle must not be driven on the road for at least one hour after the installation of a new ball joint.

Apply an even coat of adhesive (supplied with kit) to the lower arm ball joint bore and the ball joint.






4. CAUTION: Do not damage the lower ball joint boot when installing the ball joint or premature failure of the ball joint may occur.

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

Using the special tools, install the lower ball joint. Install the ball joint snap ring.






5. Using a clean shop towel and the specified surface cleaner, wipe any excess adhesive from the ball joint and lower arm.

All vehicles

6. Install the wheel knuckle..