Lower Ball Joint

Lower Ball Joint Replacement

^ Tools Required
- J 23742 Ball Joint Separator
- J 9519-D Ball Joint Remover and Installer Set

Removal Procedure
1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.





2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.

Caution: Refer to Floor Jack Caution in Service Precautions.

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 steering knuckle using the J 23742.

Important: Place a wooden block between the frame and the upper control arm in order to lift 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 lower ball joint from the lower control arm using J 9519-D.
9. Inspect the tapered hole in the steering knuckle and remove any dirt. If the tapered hole is out of round, deformed, or damaged, replace the steering knuckle.

Installation Procedure





1. Install a new ball joint into the lower control arm.
1.1. Press in the ball joint using J 9519-D. 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: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





3. Install the lower ball stud nut.
Tighten the lower ball stud 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. Lubricate the lower ball joint.
6. Install the brake caliper.
7. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. Check the front wheel alignment.