Front, Upper

1. Remove splash shield(s).
2. Remove transverse member nuts and bolts, then transverse member, Fig. 19.
3. Remove power steering return hose and pressure pipe.
4. Remove intermediate shaft bolt.
5. Support engine using suitable engine support, then remove No. 1 engine mount bolt.
6. Remove shock absorber and spring bolt, then upper lateral link cotter pin and nut.
7. Suspend axle assembly using rope, then remove upper lateral link ball joint using ball joint puller set tool No. 49 T028 304, or equivalent. Sharp edges of ball joint puller tool can slice dust boot. Install tool so sharp edges are between dust boot and knuckle. Inspect upper lateral link ball joint as follows:
a. Inspect link for damage and boot cracks. Replace as necessary.
b. Inspect ball joint for looseness and replace link and necessary.
c. Shake ball joint stud at least five times.
d. Connect suitable preload measuring attachment to ball joint stud and measure rotation torque using suitable spring scale. Rotation torque should be 3 - 39 in.lb. Scale reading should be 0.7 - 9.9 lbs. If not within specifications, replace upper lateral link.

8. Remove nut, cam plate and adjusting cam bolt as follows:
a. Support crossmember using suitable jack, then remove crossmember nuts.
b. Lower crossmember to gain clearance, then mark cam plate and crossmember for installation reference.
c. Loosen and remove nut.

9. Remove upper lateral link and inspect for damage and cracks. Check bushing for damage and wear.
10. Remove dust boot and clip.
11. Remove upper lateral link bushing using oil seal installer tool No. 49 G030 795 and rubber bushing replacer set tool No. 49 T034 0A0, or equivalents.
12. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Apply soapy water to new upper lateral link bushing, then insert chamfered side of bushing to upper lateral link. Position oil seal installer tool No. 49 G030 795, rubber bushing replacer set tool No. 49 T034 9A0 and attachment tool No. 49 T034 203, or equivalents, Fig. 20, and press bushing into upper lateral link.
b. Wipe grease off ball stud before installing lower ball joint dust boot, then fill inside of new dust boot with grease. Press boot onto ball joint using dust boot installer tool No. 49 T034 201, or equivalent, and wipe off any excess grease.
c. Install cam plate so notch faces same direction as adjusting cam bolt, then align marks made during removal. Tighten cam plate nut to specifications.
d. Adjust front wheel alignment as described under Wheel Alignment.
e. Bleed air from power steering system as described under Power Steering System Bleed.

Fig. 19 Upper Lateral Link Replacement:

Fig. 20 Upper Lateral Link Bushing Installation: