Lower
REMOVAL PROCEDURE^ Tools Required:
- J 23742 Ball Joint Separator
- J 9519D Ball Joint Remover and Installer Set
1. Raise the vehicle. Support the frame with safety stands.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
CAUTION: Floor jack must remain under the control arm spring seat during removal and installation to retain the spring and control arm in position. Failure to do so could result in personal injury.
3. Place a floor jack under the control arm spring seat. Raise the jack in order to support the control arm.
NOTICE: Support the caliper with a piece of wire to prevent damage to the brake line.
4. Remove the brake caliper.
5. Remove the cotter pin and the nut.
6. Break the ball joint loose from the knuckle using the J 23742.
Important: Place a wooden block between the frame and the upper control arm in order to block the knuckle assembly out of the way.
7. Remove the lower control arm out of the opening in the splash shield. Use a putty knife or a similar tool in order to guide the control arm past the splash shield.
8. Remove the grease fittings.
9. Remove the lower ball joint from the lower control arm using the tools as shown. Replace the parts as necessary.
10. Inspect the tapered hole in the steering knuckle. Remove any dirt. If the tapered hole is out of round, deformed or damaged, replace the knuckle.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
^ Tools Required:
- J 9519D Ball Joint Remover and Installer Set
1. Install a new ball joint into the lower control arm.
1.1. Press in the ball joint using the tools as shown. The ball joint will bottom on the control arm.
1.2. Locate the grease fitting facing inboard.
2. Install the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle.
NOTICE: Always use the correct fastener in the proper location. When you replace a fastener, use ONLY the exact part number for that application. The manufacturer will call out those fasteners that require a replacement after removal. The manufacturer will also call out the fasteners that require thread lockers or thread sealant. UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, do not use supplemental coatings (paints, greases, or other corrosion inhibitors) on threaded fasteners or fastener joint interfaces. Generally, such coatings adversely affect the fastener torque and joint clamping force, and may damage the fastener. When you install fasteners, use the correct tightening sequence and specifications. Following these instructions can help you avoid damage to parts and systems.
3. Install the stud nut onto the stud.
^ Tighten the nut to 108 Nm (79 ft. lbs.). Tighten in order to align the slot in the stud nut with the hole in the stud.
4. Install a new cotter pin to the stud.
5. Install the grease fittings.
6. Lubricate the ball joint until grease appears at the seal.
7. Install the brake caliper.
8. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Check the front wheel alignment.