Tools Required

J 39549 Ball Joint/Tie Rod Separator

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

Important: During removal and installation, the floor jack must remain under the shock absorber mounting location on the lower control arm in order to hold the spring and the lower control arm in position.

3. Place a floor jack under the shock absorber mounting location on the lower control arm.
4. Remove and discard the upper control arm cotter pin.
5. Remove the upper control arm nut.
6. Support the steering knuckle (3) with a floor jack.
7. Use J 39549 in order to separate the upper ball joint (1) from the steering knuckle (3).



8. With the upper control arm in a raised position, drill out the four rivets approximately 6 mm (0.25 in) deep using a 1/8 inch drill bit.



9. Drill out the rivet heads using a ½ inch drill bit.



10. Punch out the rivets using a small punch.
11. Remove the upper ball joint.

1. Loosely install the new upper ball joint (2) into the upper control arm (7).
2. Remove the temporary support from the steering knuckle (5).
3. Align and install the upper ball joint (2) to the steering knuckle (3).
4. Install the upper control arm nut (4) finger tight.
5. Install the upper ball joint service kit bolts (6) and nuts (4). Refer to the ball joint kit for torque specifications.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

6. Torque the upper control arm nut (4) to specifications.

Tighten
Tighten the upper control arm nut (4) to 53 N·m (39 lb ft).

Important: Never loosen the control arm nut in order to align the cotter pin slot, it is permissible to over torque the control arm nut 1/6 of a turn MAX.

7. Install a new upper control arm cotter pin (3).
8. Remove the floor jack from under the shock absorber seat.
9. Install the tire and the wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
10. Lower the vehicle.