Tools Required

CH-49405 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:  Nuts with micro-encapsulated thread sealant must be discarded after removal.

3. Remove the front caster arm to steering knuckle retaining nut (1).

Discard the nut.





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

4. Separate the front caster arm (1) from the steering knuckle (3) using the CH-49405 (2).
5. Disconnect the front caster arm (1) from the steering knuckle (3).



6. Remove the front caster arm to subframe retaining nut (3).

Discard the nut.

7. Remove the front caster arm to subframe retaining bolt (2).

Discard the bolt.




8. Remove the front caster arm (1) from the subframe (2).
9. Inspect all parts for wear and damage.

1. Install the front caster arm (1) from the subframe (2).



2. Install the NEW lower caster arm to the subframe retaining bolt (2).
3. Install the NEW lower caster arm to the subframe retaining nut (3).

Do not fully tighten at this stage.




4. Install the front caster arm ball joint (1) to the steering knuckle (2).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

5. Install the NEW front caster arm to steering knuckle retaining nut (3).

Tighten
Tighten the bolts a first pass to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

Tighten
Tighten the bolts an additional 60 degrees.

6. Install the front wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
7. Remove the safety stands.
8. Lower the vehicle to the ground.



9. Bounce the vehicle several times to settle the suspension.
10. Check and adjust the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.

Important:  The weight of the vehicle must be on a level surface and on all four wheels before fully tightening the bolts and nuts that have been partially tightened. Failure to comply with to this requirement may adversely affect the ride and handling characteristics of the vehicle and reduce bushing life.

11. Tighten the front caster arm to subframe retaining bolt (1).

Tighten
Tighten the bolts a first pass to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

Tighten
Tighten the bolts an additional 120 degrees.