Ball Joint: Service and Repair

Removing The Lower Ball Joint:

Removing The Upper Ball Joint:

Installing The Lower Ball Joint:

Installing The Upper Ball Joint:

SPECIAL TOOLS REQUIRED (or equivalents)
^ J-9519-30, Ball joint fixture.
^ J-23454-1, J-23454-2, J-23454-3 Ball joint spacers.
^ J-6382-3, Ball joint spacer.
^ J-23454-4, Upper and lower ball joint sleeve.

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT
1. Raise the vehicle and support with suitable safety stands.
2. Wheel and hub/rotor assemblies.
3. Spindle.
4. Steering knuckle and steering arm. (Remove the steering arm only if removing the left axle yoke ball joints).
5. Place the steering knuckle in a vise and remove snap ring from the lower ball joint.
6. Use J-9519-30, J-23454-1, J-23454-4 and tighten until the ball joint breaks free of the steering knuckle.

NOTE: Lower ball joint must be removed before any service can be done to the upper ball joint.

7. Upper ball joint. Use J-9519-30, J-23454-3 (or J-6382-3), J-23454-4 and tighten until the ball joint breaks free of the steering knuckle.

INSTALL OR CONNECT
1. Lower ball joint into the steering knuckle. The ball joint (no cotter pin hole in the threaded end) must be positioned straight.
2. Use J-9519-30, J-23454-2, J-23454-3 or J-6382-3 and tighten until the ball joint fully seats. Install the snap ring in position.
3. Upper ball joint into the steering knuckle. Use J-9519-30, J-23454-2, J-23454-3 or J-6382-3 and tighten until the ball joint fully seats.
4. Steering arm (if removed) and steering knuckle.
5. Spindle and wheel hub/rotor assembly.
6. Adjust the wheel bearings.
7. Wheel assembly and check the front end alignment and reset as required.
8. Lower the vehicle.