Ball Joint: Service and Repair

Lower Ball Joint Replacement

1. Remove the knuckle, then remove the hub unit from the knuckle.
2. Remove the boot by prying the set ring off.
3. Check the boot for deterioration and damage, and replace it if necessary.
4. Remove the 40 mm circlip.
5. Install the special tools on the ball joint, and tighten the castle nut.






6. Position the special tools over the ball joint as shown, then set the assembly in a vise. Press the ball joint out of the knuckle.
7. Place the ball joint in position by hand.






8. Install the special tools over the ball joint as shown, then press the ball joint in.
9. Install the 40 mm circlip.






10. Install the ball joint boot and set ring using the special tool.
11. Install the hub unit onto the knuckle.
12. Install the knuckle.
13. Check the front wheel alignment, and adjust if necessary.

Ball Joint Boot Replacement

1. Remove the set ring and the boot.


CAUTION:
Do not contaminate the boot installation section with grease.






2. Pack the interior of the boot and lip with grease.
3. Wipe the grease off the sliding surface of the ball pin and pack with fresh grease.


CAUTION:
Keep grease off the boot installation section and the tapered section of the ball pin. Do not allow dust, dirt, or other foreign materials to enter the boot.


4. Install the boot in the groove of the boot installation section securely, then bleed air.

5. Install the upper and lower ball joint boot set rings using the special tools as follows:


Lower ball joint: Adjust the special tool with the adjusting bolt until the end of the tool aligns with the groove on the boot. Slide the set ring over the tool and into position.






Upper ball joint: Hold the tool over the ball joint, then slide the set ring over the tool and into position.




CAUTION:
After installing the boot, check the ball pin tapered section for grease contamination and wipe it if necessary.