Ball Joint: Service and Repair

Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
3. Remove the lower control arm. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement (Lower Control Arm Replacement).
4. Place the lower control arm in a bench vice.
5. Using a chisel, remove the securing crimps from the ball joint body, if equipped.
6. Using a press, remove the ball joint from the lower control arm.

Installation Procedure

Important: Use the outer flange of the ball joint in order to press the ball joint into place.

1. Install the new ball joint using a press.
2. Place the lower control arm in a bench vice.
3. Using a punch, install crimps to the ball joint, if necessary. Use the replaced ball joint as a reference.
4. Install the lower control arm. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement (Lower Control Arm Replacement).
5. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
6. Remove the safety stands.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement (Wheel Alignment Measurement).