For 1990-2009 cars

### Removal Procedure

#### Tools Required

J 38892 Ball Joint Separator.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. For a suspension contact hoist, use the following procedure:

• | Place the jack stands under the suspension supports.

• | Lower the vehicle slightly so that the weight of the vehicle rests on the suspension supports and not on the control arms.

3. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
4. Remove the cotter pin (1) and nut (2) from the ball joint (3).

Notice: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use recommended tools may cause damage to the ball and seal.

5. Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J 38892 .

Important: Do not damage the drive axle boot when drilling out the ball joint rivets.

6. Drill out the three rivets retaining the ball joint (4) to the lower control arm (2). Use a 3 mm (1/8 in) drill bit in order to make a pilot hole through the rivets. Finish drilling the rivets with a 13 mm (½ in) drill bit.
7. Remove the nut attaching the link to the stabilizer shaft.
8. Remove the ball joint (4) from the steering knuckle (5) and the control arm (2).

### Installation Procedure

1. Install the piston ball joint (4) in the control arm (2).
2. Install three ball joint bolts (3) and nuts (1) as shown on the instruction sheet in the ball joint kit and tighten the ball joint bolts to specification.
3. Install the ball joint stud through the steering knuckle (5).

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

4. Install the ball joint nut (6). Do not loosen any nut any time during the installation.

Tighten
Tighten the ball joint to steering knuckle nut to 55-65 N·m (41-48 lb ft) .

5. Install the cotter pin (7).
6. Install the nut (2) attaching the stabilizer link to the stabilizer shaft.

Tighten
Tighten the nut to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

7. Slightly raise the vehicle. Remove the jack stands from under the suspension.
8. Install the tire and the wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
9. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.