How to Replace the Ball Joints on a Nissan S13

The ball joints on a Nissan S13, also known as the Silvia, keep the suspension in check by making sure that the suspension flexes instead of snapping in half. The joints work similar to the ball joints in the human body. A ball and cup make up the joint. Grease is packed into the joint to lubricate it and keep it from grinding against itself. When the protective boot on the joint rips, this grease will leak out and you must replace the joint.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tire wrench
• Air compressor
• Impact wrench
• Replacement ball joint
• Ball joint separator tool
• Ball joint press tool
• Hammer
• Rubber mallet
• Socket wrench
• Socket set
• Floor jack
• 2 jack stands
• Zip-ties
• Pliers

1. Turn the front wheel lug nuts 45 degrees counterclockwise with a tire wrench.

2. Place the jack under the front jack point of the S13 and jack it up.

3. Continue removing the lug nuts and pull the wheel off the hub assembly.

4. Pull the cotter pin out of the axle nut with a pair of pliers and unbolt the axle nut using a socket wrench. Turn the nut counterclockwise to remove.

5. Remove the upper and lower mounting bolts on the brake caliper with a socket wrench .

6. Remove the brake caliper and secure the caliper assembly to the coil springs above the brake assembly with zip-ties. Slide the rotor off the hub.

7. Remove the cotter pin and mounting nut from the upper and lower ball joint.

8. Position the teeth of the ball joint removal tool between the joint and the steering knuckle and hit the end of the handle with a hammer. You'll need to hit it quite hard, but it will separate the joint.

9. Place the head of the ball joint press tool over the top of the ball joint. Turn the handle clockwise to tighten the clamp and press the joint out of the control arm.

10. Install a new ball joint and reassemble the suspension. Installation is the reverse of removal.

References

• Nissan Silvia S13 Series Workshop Manual; Nissan; 1992

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