1. Autos

How To Replace a Ball Joint

From

6 of 6

Installing the Lower Ball Joint
Ball joint nut going back on.

Replacing the ball joint.

photo by Chuck Kopelson
Bend the new joint all the way over to the side. Twist the joint about 90 degrees and it will drop into the hole in the lower geared hub. The first time I tried to put one in I tried to get it in straight and it got caught up and jammed on a small ridge which is part of the geared hub casting. The lower joint goes under the lower control arm.

Start the slotted nut on the bottom ball joint. Slip the ball joint under the the lower control arm, line up the holes and replace the 4 nuts, bolts and 8 washers. Torque these to 65 ft-lbs. Remember that the outside 2 bolts are heads up on the front. Tighten the 15/16" slotted nut to 73 ft-lbs while lining up the slot in the nut with the hole in the bolt.

Grease all the ball joints until grease oozes out of the seal. Install your wheels, lower the jacks and you're ready to go. You might want to get your alignment checked.

  1. About.com
  2. Autos
  3. Auto Repair
  4. Fix It Yourself!
  5. How To Replace a Ball Joint - Ball Joint Replacement DIY Step By Step - Replacing Ball Joints

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.