You can replace a lower ball joint with hand tools, according to ChrisFix, though using a compressor makes the job easier. Because you have to do most of the same work to get to the upper ball joint, it’s a good idea to replace it, too.
What tools do I need to replace a lower ball joint?
Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary tools:
- Ball joint press
- Socket set
- Breaker bar
- Torque wrench
- Crowbar
You’ll also need a jack, jack stands, chocks for the rear wheels, needle-nose pliers, penetrating fluid, brake cleaner, Loctite and a hammer.
Get the Vehicle Ready
Before you start, you need to get the vehicle ready. First, break the lug nuts and the axle nut loose, but do not remove them. Jack up the vehicle; then support it with jack stands. Block the rear tires.
Remove the axle nut, lug nuts and tire.
Spray the following with penetrating fluid:
- Lower ball joint
- Lower and upper caliper bracket bolts
- Upper ball joint nut
- Lower control arm nut
Remove the Lower Ball Joint
Step 1: Remove the caliper bracket bolts. Slide the disc and caliper assembly off the axle; set it out of the way, supporting it, so you don’t pull on the brake lines.
Step 2: Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint nut; then remove the lower ball joint nut.
Step 3: Remove the bolt holding the upper ball joint to the upper control arm. Pry the upper ball joint out of the steering knuckle assembly. Pull the knuckle assembly off the axle. If your vehicle has ABS brakes, watch for the ABS wire.
Step 4: Unplug the ABS brake wire, so there isn’t as much tension on it.
Step 5: Tie the axle up out of the way with rope or bungee cords. Try to keep the axle from sliding out of the transmission.
Step 6: Remove the snap ring from the lower ball joint. Knock the boot off the old ball joint with a hammer and screwdriver. The new ball joint has a new boot, so you won’t need this one.
Step 7: The adapters are vehicle specific, so be sure to get the correct adapter for your vehicle. Make sure you have the press centered on the ball joint. Press the lower ball joint out of the lower control arm using the ball joint press.
Step 8: Clean the lower ball joint area with brake cleaner. Check the area for rough edges. Sand any rough spots so the new ball joint presses in smoothly.
Replace the Lower Ball Joint
Step 1: Replacing the lower ball joint is just reversing the process. Press the lower ball joint in with the press. Again, make sure the press is centered, so the ball joint goes in properly. Remove the press to make sure the ball joint is pressed all the way in.
Step 2: You’ll need to be able to get the snap ring on the top part of the ball joint. Install a new snap ring onto the ball joint. Screw the grease fitting in by hand; then tighten it with a socket. Make sure you do not tighten it too much.
Step 3: Coat the axle threads with anti-seize. Slide the knuckle back onto the axle. Line the lower ball joint up in the knuckle. Using a jack, jack the knuckle up to get the lower ball joint into the control arm.
Step 4: Install the bolt for the upper ball joint and tighten it to 35 to 46 pound-feet of torque.
Step 5: Tighten the nut for the lower ball joint to 82 to 113 pound-feet of torque.
Step 6: Install a new cotter pin on the nut for the lower ball joint. Slide the disc and caliper assembly on the axle; then install the caliper bracket bolts.
Step 7: When installing the caliper bracket bolts, put them in by hand, leaving the first bolt loose until you get the other bolt in. Once they are both in, tighten them to 85 pound-feet of torque.
Step 8: Plug in the ABS wire. Grease the lower ball joint. It should already have grease in it, but you want to put more in just to be sure that it has enough.
Step 9: Coat the threads of the axle nut with thread lock; then tighten the axle nut by hand.
Step 10: Replace the wheel. Tighten the lug nuts finger-tight. Torque the axle nut to 162 to 205 pound-feet of torque. Tighten the lug nuts following a star pattern.
Tips for Replacing a Lower Ball Joint
You shouldn’t have a hard time breaking the lug nuts or axle nut loose, but if you do, give them a squirt of penetrant and let it work in for about a half-hour.
You might need to let the penetrant work for a longer time, especially on the ball joint nuts. If the bolts won’t come loose after a half-hour, spray them again; then let them soak for another half-hour.
The torque ratings are general torque ratings. You can find the torque ratings for your vehicle in the owner’s manual or by calling the dealer.
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