Upper Ball Joint: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Jeep Liberty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support the vehicle.
Support the rear axle with a hydraulic jack.
Remove the ball joint pinch bolt from the top of the axle. See Fig 1
Separate the ball joint arm assembly from the differential housing by prying upwards.

Fig 1: Ball Joint Pinch Bolt
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - UPPER BALL JOINT

2 - PINCH BOLT
Remove the upper suspension arm from the vehicle (Refer to SUSPENSION/REAR/UPPER CONTROL ARM - REMOVAL) .
Secure the suspension arm in a vise.

Install special tools C-4212F (press), 8861-3 (driver) and 8861-2 (receiver). See Fig 2

Fig 2: Upper Ball Joint - Removal

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - C-4212F PRESS

2 - 8861-3 DRIVER

3 - 8861-2 RECEIVER

Press out the old ball joint.