Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement W/OTorsion Bar Suspension

Important: The following service procedure applies to vehicles equipped with cast iron lower control arms only. For those vehicles equipped with an aluminum lower control arm, the ball joint is NOT serviced separately. If the ball joint is found to have excessive wear and is damaged replace the lower control arm as an assembly.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
3. Remove the lower control arm from the vehicle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
4. Place the lower control arm in a vise.
5. Using a chisel, remove the securing crimps from the ball joint body, if equipped.
6. Using a press, remove the ball joint from the lower control arm.

Important: Use the outer flange of the ball joint in order to press the ball joint into place.

1. Install the ball joint using a press.
2. Place the lower control arm a bench vise.

Important: Use the replaced ball joint as a reference.

3. Using a punch, install the crimps to the ball joint.
4. Install the lower control arm in the vehicle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement
5. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
6. Remove the safety stand and lower the vehicle.
7. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications.