Tools Required
J 43631 Ball Joint Remover
Removal Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
in General Information.
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
in Tires and Wheels.
- Remove the following components on both
sides of the vehicle in order to separate the stabilizer shaft links from the lower
control arms:
• | The stabilizer shaft nut (1) |
Caution: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, use
the proper tools to support the lower control arm when removing the coil spring.
The coil spring is under extreme pressure and can become a projectile should
the spring separate from the lower control arm before all of the tension is
relieved.
- Support
the lower control arm (11) with a jack.
- Remove the ball stud nut (2).
- Use the J 43631
, or equivalent, in order to separate the lower control arm ball stud (3)
from the knuckle (2).
- Use the jack in order to raise the control arm and disconnect the ball
joint from the knuckle.
- Move the knuckle and disc brake assembly away from the control arm.
- While lowering the floor jack, remove the
coil spring (2).
- Remove the spring seat (1) and the spring bumper (3). Inspect
and replace the components if necessary. Refer to
Spring Bumper Replacement
.
Installation Procedure
- Install the spring bumper (3) and
the spring seat (1). Refer to
Spring Bumper Replacement
.
Notice: Care should be taken to avoid chipping or scratching the coating when
handling the suspension coil spring. Damage to the coating can cause premature
failure.
Important: The top of the coil spring is narrower than the bottom of the coil spring.
- Install the coil spring (2).
Install the narrower diameter end to the upper spring seat (1) and the
larger diameter end to the lower control arm.
- Raise the lower control arm (11)
with a jack.
- Lower the jack in order to install the ball stud (5) to the knuckle (1).
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.
- Install a NEW ball stud nut (2).
Tighten
Tighten the nut to 60 N·m (43.5 lb ft).
- Remove the jack.
Important: DO NOT tighten the stabilizer shaft link nuts and bolts completely. The weight
of the vehicle must be on the wheels and tires before tightening the nuts and bolts.
- Install the following components on both sides of the vehicle in order to connect
the stabilizer shaft links to the lower control arms:
• | The stabilizer shaft nut (1) |
- Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
in Tires and Wheels.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Verify the stabilizer shaft is centered,
side-to-side. Verify that the stabilizer shaft links are set at a neutral position,
as seen from above.
Tighten
Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nut (1) to 29 N·m (21.0 lb ft).