Ball Joint, Removing And Installing: Removing

-- Loosen drive axle bolt on the wheel hub. Refer to DRIVE AXLE THREADED CONNECTION, LOOSENING AND TIGHTENING .

-- Remove the wheel. Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .

Vehicle with Level Control System Sensor:

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-- If equipped, remove the stone chip protection (refer to the illustration below) or the air duct (refer to the illustration below).

-- Remove the nut -1- and free up the lever -2- for the level control system sensor on the control arm -3-.

Continuation for All Vehicles:

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-- Remove the nuts -arrows-.

• Make sure the ball joint rubber boot is not damaged during assembly work. If necessary protect the ball joint rubber boot against damage.

-- Remove the control arm from the ball joint.

-- Pivot the suspension strut outward, while doing so guide the drive axle out of the wheel hub.

-- To protect the threads remove the nut on the ball joint -2- until it is flush with the threads of the joint pin.

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-- Attach the Puller - Ball Joint:3287A  -1- and pry out the ball joint from the wheel bearing housing.

-- Remove the nut and remove the ball joint.

• Counterhold the inner contact on the ball joint when loosening and tightening the ball joint nut.
• The counterhold tool must not be tilted.