Upper Ball Joint: Removal
- Raise and support vehicle under lower control arms. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Remove steering knuckle. See procedures under STEERING KNUCKLE . Remove brakeline and brackets from upper control arm (if equipped).
- Drill a 1/8" (3.18 mm) diameter by 1/4" (6.35 mm) deep hole in ball joint retaining rivets. Drill off rivet heads with a 1/2" (12.7 mm) drill bit. Drive out rivets with a hammer and small punch. Remove ball joint.
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.