Lower Ball Joint Replacement
DISASSEMBLE1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the front wheel and tire assembly.
3. Remove disc brake caliper and rotor from steering knuckle.
4. Remove shock absorber.
5. Remove the strut bar.
6. Install Spring Compressor DD-1278 up through the lower suspension arm, coil spring and shock hole in the frame. The bell-shaped adapter goes against the lower suspension arm. Install the nut on top of the tool at the shock hole.
7. Tighten tool bottom nut against bell-shaped adapter finger-tight then loosen 1/2 turn.
NOTE: This will hold the spring in place until the lower suspension arm is separated from the steering knuckle.
8. Remove cotter pins and nuts from ball joints.
9. Position Ball Joint Remover C-3564-A and rotate threaded portion of tool to apply force to the lower ball joint.
10. Strike steering knuckle sharply with a hammer to loosen ball joint from knuckle. Do not force ball joint out from knuckle with the tool.
Lower Ball Joint Removal:
11. Remove ball joint seal. Use Remover/Installer C-4212F to press the ball joint from lower suspension arm bore.
ASSEMBLE
Lower Ball Joint Installation:
1. Press new ball joint in lower suspension arm with Remover/Installer C-4212F.
2. Position new seal over ball joint and use a socket to force lip of seal until securely in place.
3. Position lower ball joint in steering knuckle.
4. Install retaining nut on the lower ball joint and tighten to:
- LD 11/16 bolt: 183 Nm (135 ft. lbs.)
- HD 3/4 bolt: 237 Nm (175 ft. lbs.)
5. Install new cotter pins.
6. Install the strut bar.
7. Remove spring compressor tool. Install shock absorber.
8. Install rotor and disc brake caliper.
9. Install wheel and tire assemble and lower the vehicle.