Upper Ball Joint: Removal
- Raise and support vehicle under lower control arms. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Remove upper ball joint stud nut and separate upper ball joint stud from steering knuckle using Ball Joint Separator (J-36607 ). 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.