Ball Joint: Service and Repair
Ball joint, replacing
Special tools:
951 2050 BEVEL PROTRACTOR 951 2050 Bevel Protractor
951 2927 Torx 40. Long version 951 2927 Torx 40. Long Version
999 7076 Lever 999 7076 Lever
999 7148 Nut 999 7148 Nut
999 2709 SLEDGE 999 2709 Sledge
999 5500 SOCKET UPPER NUT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER 999 5500 Socket Upper Nut Rear Shock Absorber
999 5796 Press tool 999 5796 Press Tool
999 5781 Press tool 999 5781 Press Tool
999 7231 Nut 999 7231 Nut
999 7062 Separator 999 7062 Separator
999 7230 Nut 999 7230 Nut
999 5467 SOCKET 999 5467 Socket
Note! The illustrations in this service information are used for different model years and/or models. Some variation may occur. However, the essential information in the illustrations is always correct.
Preparatory work
Note! Replace on both sides.
Remove the front wheels.
Removal
Removing the ball joint nut
Applies to vehicles with aluminum link arm
Remove the nut on the control arm. Use a Torx wrench as a counterhold.
Applies to vehicles with steel control arm
Remove nut.
Removing the ball joint in the control arm
Applies to vehicles with steel control arm
Install nut 999 7231 Nut 999 7231 Nut on the ball joint with a clearance to the link arm of approx. 1.5 mm.
Align puller 999 7062 Separator 999 7062 Separator with the link arm and nut 999 7231 Nut 999 7231 Nut.
Tighten the puller 999 7062 Separator 999 7062 Separator so that the ball joint releases from the link arm.
Applies to all
Caution! Do not pull the drive shaft as the axial pinions cannot support large loads.
Note! If the hook is positioned at point (2) there is a risk of damaging the rubber boot on the ball joint.
Press the control arm down using lever 999 7076 Lever 999 7076 Lever. Position the hook at (1).
Release the spring strut from the control arm.
Removing the ball joint screws
Remove the 2 x screws for the ball joint.
Removing the ball joint
Applies to vehicles with aluminum link arm
Install:
- the nut: 999 7148 Nut 999 7148 Nut on the ball joint
- the sledgehammer: 999 2709 SLEDGE 999 2709 Sledge on the nut.
Applies to vehicles with steel control arm
Use nut 999 7230 Nut 999 7230 Nut and impact hammer 999 2709 SLEDGE 999 2709 Sledge.
Applies to all
Tap off the ball joint.
Cleaning the ball joint mounting
Warning! Always use protective goggles.
Clean the mating surfaces for the ball joint and seat. Use a rotating wire brush.
Lubricate the seat with wheel bearing grease, part number 1161689 (75 ml).
Installation
Note! For tightening torques, see: Tightening torque [1][2]Mechanical Specifications.
Installing the guide screws
The guide screws: 999 5781 Press tool 999 5781 Press Tool have a wrench grip (see arrow) which is asymmetrically positioned.
Aluminum wheel spindle
Use the screw (1) with the greater distance from the wrench grip.
Steel wheel spindle
Use the screw (2) with the shortest distance from the wrench grip.
Installing the ball joint
Applies to vehicles with aluminum link arm
Caution! Leave the protective cap for the ball joint in position to prevent damaging the rubber boot.
Loosely install the new ball joint using the guide screws.
Applies to vehicles with steel control arm
Caution! Take care not to damage the ball joint boot.
Temporarily remove the protective cap from the ball joint.
Loosely install the new ball joint using the press tool 999 5781 Press tool 999 5781 Press Tool.
Applies to all
Caution! Take care not to damage the ball joint boot.
Press the ball joint up towards the seat. Use press tool 999 5796 Press tool 999 5796 Press Tool. Check that the ball joint is centered in the seat.
Knock in the ball joint. Use a copper mallet.
Remove the guide screws.
Tighten the ball joint. Use 2 x new screws. Tighten. See: Tightening torque [1][2]Mechanical Specifications.
Remove the protective cap.
Installing the control arm and ball joint
Caution! Do not pull the drive shaft as the axial pinions cannot support large loads.
Note! If the hook is positioned at point (2) there is a risk of damaging the rubber boot on the ball joint.
Press the control arm down using lever 999 7076 Lever 999 7076 Lever. Position the hook at (1).
Align the spring strut in the control arm.
Installing the ball joint nut
Applies to vehicles with aluminum link arm
Caution! The ball joint pinion must not rotate. Use: 951 2927 Torx 40. Long version 951 2927 Torx 40. Long Version as a counterhold to prevent damaging the rubber boot
Note! Use 999 5500 SOCKET UPPER NUT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER 999 5500 Socket Upper Nut Rear Shock Absorber as a torque wrench.
Note! A counterhold is not required when angle tightening if the joint has been tightened to 50 Nm. The friction between the ball joint and control arm is greater than between the nut and threads on the ball joint.
Install the 1 x nut.
Tighten according to step 1. See Tightening torque [1][2]Mechanical Specifications.
Use bevel protractor: 951 2050 BEVEL PROTRACTOR 951 2050 Bevel Protractor.
Angle-tighten according to step 2. See Tightening torque [1][2]Mechanical Specifications.
Rust protect the thread outside the nut.
Applies to vehicles with steel control arm
Use socket 999 5467 SOCKET 999 5467 Socket as adapter for the torque wrench or a cap wrench adapter that is deigned for torque wrench.
Install the new nut and tighten according to Tightening torque [1][2]Mechanical Specifications.
Rust protect the thread outside the nut.
Finishing
Install the wheels. See: Installing wheels Service and Repair.