How to Replace a Ball Joint

To replace a lower ball joint that is pressed in requires a little ingenuity and patience. This article will tell you how to install the ball joint with ease.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Imapact gun
• Socket(s)
• Side cutters
• Big hammer
• Floor jack
• Jack stand
• White grease

1. Raise the vehicle and support it with a jack stand. Remove the wheel for the side you will be working on. Remove the brake caliper. Remove the entire spindle by disconnecting the upper and lower ball joint and any wiring. This will give you an unobstructed working area.

2. Support the lower control arm with the jack. Hit the lower ball joint with the big hammer. A few solid hard hit will knock it out. Be careful to not hit the fender lip with the hammer!

3. Find a metal sleeve that will fit the outside diameter of the ball joint. Use this to support the ball joint when installing to minimize damage to the new joint. Lube the joint with white grease. Sit the sleeve on the floor jack with the ball joint on top of the sleeve.

4. Center the joint under the hole in the control arm and jack the ball joint into the hole. It must be as straight as possible to go in properly. Jack up until the car slightly comes off of the jack stand. Hit the control arm with the hammer. This will force the arm onto the joint.

5. Lower the jack and make sure it rests on the jack stand. Reinstall all components removed.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to clean the threads of the joint to remove the nut if the entire joint spins upon removal.
• Cars are heavy and can seriously injure or kill you. Seek qualified help if you have any doubts.

[Panda229]

on 7/17/2009 Great info! 5*