Upper Ball Joint: Removal
- Raise and support vehicle under lower control arms. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Remove steering knuckle. See STEERING KNUCKLE . Remove brake line and brackets from upper control arm (if equipped).
- To remove upper ball joint from upper control arm, using drill and 1/8" (3.18 mm) drill bit, drill 1/4" (6.35 mm) deep hole in ball joint retaining rivets. Using 1/2" (12.7 mm) drill bit, drill out rivet heads. Using a hammer and small punch, drive out rivets and remove ball joint from upper control arm.
CAUTION:
When installing upper ball joint stud nut, tighten nut to align cotter pin hole. DO NOT tighten ball joint stud nut more than an additional 1/6 turn to align cotter pin hole. Complete tightening of upper ball joint stud nut with vehicle at proper riding height specification.