Special Tools

J-42188-B Ball Joint Separator

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.
3. Remove the wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement.




Note: Do not allow the stabilizer link ball stud to rotate while removing the link nut.

4. Remove the nut and separate the stabilizer link from the strut assembly.
5. Loosen the steering knuckle to strut bolts and nuts.



6. Remove and discard the lower ball joint cotter pin.
7. Loosen the ball stud nut, until level with the top of the ball stud.
8. Using the J-42188-B , separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.



9. Remove the lower ball joint nut and separate from the knuckle.

Caution: Do not free the ball stud by using a pickle fork or a wedge-type tool. Damage to the seal or bushing may result.

10. Remove the outer tie rod end from the knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.



11. Remove the steering knuckle to strut bolts and nuts.
12. Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.

1. Position the steering knuckle to strut assembly.



2. Loosely install the strut to steering knuckle bolts and nuts.



3. Position the lower ball joint stud into the steering knuckle.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

4. Install the ball stud nut and tighten to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).
5. Tighten the strut to steering knuckle bolts and nuts to 200 N·m (148 lb ft).




Note: Do not loosen the castle nut for cotter pin installation.

6. Tighten the castle nut enough to allow for cotter pin installation.

Note: The cotter pin must not contact the wheel speed sensor or drive axle.

7. Install a new cotter pin.
8. Install the outer tie rod end to the knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.




Note: Do not allow the stabilizer link ball stud to rotate while installing the link nut.

9. Position the stabilizer shaft link to the strut assembly and install the nut.

Tighten the nut to 65 N·m (48 lb ft).

10. Install the wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement.
11. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Perform a wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement.