Tools Required

J 43828 Ball Joint Seperator

Notice: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use the recommended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.




1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
3. Remove the wheel bearing and hub. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement .
4. Remove ball joint cotter pin (1) and nut (2).




Notice: Care must be exercised to prevent Tri-Pot joints from being over-extended. When either end of the shaft is disconnected, over-extension of the joint could result in separation of internal components and possible joint failure. Drive axle joint seal protectors should be used any time service is performed on or near the drive axles. Failure to observe this can result in interior joint or seal damage and possible joint failures.

5. Use J 43828 in order to remove the ball Joint from the steering knuckle.
6. Scribe the steering knuckle to the strut. Refer to Strut and Knuckle Scribing .

Important: The bolts are serrated at the top DO NOT ROTATE.

7. Remove the strut to knuckle bolts (3) and the nuts (1) in order to separate the strut from the steering knuckle (2).
8. Remove the steering knuckle.

1. Install the steering knuckle on the ball joint stud.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

2. Install the ball joint nut.

Tighten
Tighten the ball joint nut (2) to 10 N·m (88 lb in). Then tighten the nut two flats to a minimum of 55 N·m (41 lb ft) in order to align the cotter pin slot.




3. Install the strut to knuckle bolts (3) and nuts (2) aligning the strut and knuckle to the scribe marks made in the removal procedure.

Tighten
Tighten the strut to knuckle nuts to 185 N·m (136 lb ft).

4. Install the wheel bearing and hub. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement .
5. Install the wheel and tire.

Tighten
Tighten the wheel nuts to 140 N·m (100 lb ft).

6. Lower the vehicle.