Ball Joint: Service and Repair

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
2. Remove the lower control arm. Refer to LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT
3. Secure the lower control arm in a vice.





4. Drill or grind off the ball stud rivet heads.





5. Use a hammer and a drift punch in order to remove the rivets.





6. Remove the ball stud from the lower control arm.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Install the ball stud to the lower control arm.





2. Install the NEW ball stud bolts facing down, away from the ball stud.

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 NEW ball stud nuts.

Tighten
Tighten the NEW ball stud nuts to 68 Nm (50 ft. lbs.).

4. Install the lower control arm. Refer to LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT
5. Lower the vehicle.