Special Tools

KM-507-C Ball Joint Remover

Caution: Refer to Vehicle Lifting and Jacking Caution in the Preface section.




1. Raise and suitable support the vehicle.
2. Remove the wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
3. Remove the engine splash shields.



4. Remove the axle shaft staking nut (1). Discard the nut.
5. Remove the lower ball joint nut (2).




Caution: 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.

6. Separate the steering knuckle from the lower ball joint using the KM-507-C .
7. Remove the tie rod nut.




Caution: 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.

8. Separate the tie rod end using the KM-507-C  (1).



9. Remove the damping block connection nut and bolt.
10. Remove the rear mounting bracket bolts and the bracket.



11. Push the drive axle shaft from the wheel hub.

Caution: Refer to Drive Axle Caution in the Preface section.

Note: Place a drain pan below the transaxle to catch the escaping fluid. Cap the transaxle drive opening after the drive axle has been removed to keep the fluid in and any contamination out.

12. Remove the drive axle from the transaxle using a suitable tool.

Note: Do not damage the seals.

1. Clean the hub seal and the transaxle seal.
2. Install the drive axle into the transaxle.
3. Install the wheel hub onto the axle shaft.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.




4. Install the rear mounting bracket bolts and the bracket and tighten to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).
5. Install the damping block connection nut and bolt and tighten to 80 N·m (59 lb ft).



6. Mount the steering knuckle onto the lower ball joint.



7. Install the tie rod into the knuckle/strut and install the tie rod nut and tighten to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).



8. Install the lower ball joint nut and tighten to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).



9. Loosely install a new axle shaft staking nut. Always use a new nut.



10. Install the wheels. Install the nuts. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
11. Lower the vehicle to the floor and tighten the wheel nuts to 120 N·m (88 lb ft).
12. Tighten the axle shaft staking nut to 300 N·m (221 lb ft)
13. Peen the staking nut with a punch and a hammer until the nut is locked into place on the axle shaft hub.
14. Install the engine splash shields.
15. Refill the transaxle fluid to the proper level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Draining.