6297 Ball Joint Release Tool.

Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.

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

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




Important: Mark the tie rod end (3) and tie rod end lock nut (2) in relation to the tie rod (1).

3. Loosen the tie rod end lock nut (2) half a turn.

Important: Nuts with micro-encapsulated thread sealant must be discarded after removal.

4. Remove the tie rod end to steering knuckle retaining nut (4).

Discard the nut.





Important: Once a load is applied by the ball joint release tool loading bolt, a quick tap on the nut end of the tool will reduce the separating force required.

5. Separate the tie rod end (3) from the steering knuckle (2) using the 6297 (1).
6. Remove the 6297 (1).
7. Disconnect the tie rod end (3) from the steering knuckle (2).

Important: Note the number of turns required to remove.

8. Remove the tie rod end (3) from the tie rod (4).

Important: The tie rod end (3) must be installed rotating the same number of turns as recorded during removal and aligned with the mark previously made on the tie rod (1).

1. Install the tie rod end (3) to the tie rod (1).
2. Connect the tie rod end (3) to the steering knuckle (4).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

3. Install the tie rod end to steering knuckle retaining NEW nut (5).

Tighten
Tighten the nut to 25 N·m+ 120 degrees (18 lb ft + 120 degrees).

4. Install the front wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
5. Remove the safety stands.
6. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
7. Bounce the vehicle several times to settle the suspension.
8. Check and adjust the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement .
9. Tighten the tie rod end lock nut (2).

Tighten
Tighten the nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).