Upper

Installing The Upper Ball Joint:

SPECIAL TOOL REQUIRED (or equivalent)
^ J-23742, Ball joint separator.

INSPECTION
1. Inspect the upper ball joint is spring loaded in its socket and replace the ball joint it there is any lateral movement or if it can be twisted in its socket with the fingers.
2. Inspect the ball joint seals for cuts or tears and replace the ball joint if any are found.


REMOVE OR DISCONNECT
1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. If a frame hoist is used, support the lower control arm with a floor jack.
2. Cotter pin from the upper ball joint.
3. Loosen the nut two turns but do not remove.
4. Brake caliper.
5. Upper ball joint from the steering knuckle using J-23742 to separate the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle.
6. Ball joint nut and lift the upper control arm free of the steering knuckle.
7. Ball joint from the upper control arm.
a. Drill 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) deep holes in the rivet heads using a 3.175 mm (1/8 inch) diameter drill bit.
b. Drill off the rivet heads using a 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) diameter drill bit.
c. Punch out the rivets and remove the upper ball joint from the upper control arm.

INSTALL OR CONNECT
1. Upper ball joint into the upper control arm and tighten the four attaching bolts and nuts to 25 Nm (18 ft lbs).
2. Upper ball joint to the steering knuckle. The upper ball joint must be fully seated into the steering knuckle.
3. Ball joint shaft nut and tighten to:
^ R-1 models = 68 Nm (50 ft lbs).
^ All other models = 122 Nm (90 ft lbs).
4. Cotter pin. Tighten the nut to align the cotter pin (if needed) to a maximum torque of:
^ R models = 122 Nm (90 ft lbs).
^ All other models = 175 Nm (130 ft lbs).
5. Upper ball joint grease fitting and grease the upper ball joint using the recommended lubricant.
6. Brake caliper.
7. Wheel assembly, then check the front end alignment and reset as required.