Tools Required

J 39549 Ball Joint/Tie Rod Separator

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the special security wheel lock nut, if equipped. Use the special security wheel lock key which is located in the front floor console.
3. Remove the tire and the wheel. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.

Important: The floor jack must remain under the shock absorber mounting location on the lower control arm during removal and installation in order to hold the spring and lower control arm in position.

4. Place a floor jack under the shock absorber mounting location on the lower control arm.
5. Loosen the ball stud from the steering knuckle.
6. Remove the cotter pin and the nut.
7. Support the steering knuckle with floor stands.
8. Use the J 39549 in order to separate the ball stud from the upper control arm.



9. With the upper control arm in the raised position, drill out four rivets approximately 6 mm (0.25 in) deep using a 1/8 inch drill bit.



10. Drill off the rivet heads using a ½ inch drill bit.



11. Punch out the rivets using a small punch.
12. Remove the ball stud.

1. Position the new ball stud and install the four service kit bolts/screws and nuts. Use the specifications in the ball stud kit.
2. Remove the temporary support from the steering knuckle, then connect the ball stud to the steering knuckle.
3. Hand start the nut.
4. Install the nut enough in order to align the slot with the stud hole.
5. Install the cotter pin.
6. Install the floor jack to the spring seat.
7. Install the tire and the wheel. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
8. Install the special security wheel lock nut, if equipped. Use the special security wheel lock key which is located in the front floor console.
9. Lower the vehicle.