Special Tools

J 43631 Ball Joint Remover

Caution: The ball stud must not rotate during disassembly or reassembly. Hand tools must be used to keep the ball stud from rotating. If air tools are used and the stud is allowed to rotate, damage to the ball stud and/or stud mounting hole may occur.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

Note: Remove the brake caliper and mounting bracket as an assembly. Relocate the assembly and support with mechanics wire.

3. Remove the brake caliper mounting bracket. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement.
4. Remove the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement.



5. Remove the upper ball joint retaining nut (2) from the knuckle (1).



6. Using the J 43631 , remove the upper ball joint from the upper control arm.



7. Remove the upper control arm nuts (2) and bolts (1) from the frame.



8. Remove the upper control arm (1) from the vehicle.

1. Position the upper control arm (1) in the frame.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.




2. Install the upper control arm mounting bolts (1) and the retaining nuts (2) to 120N·m (88 lb ft).



3. Install the upper ball joint (1) to the knuckle (2) and tighten to 20 N·m (15 lb ft) plus an additional 210 degree turn.
4. Install the brake caliper mounting bracket. Refer to Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement.
5. Install the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement
6. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
7. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
8. Check the rear wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications.