INSPECTION

See Figures 1 and 2

  1. Make the front wheels straight and jack up the front of the vehicle.
    2.  
  2. Place an 7.09-7.87 in. (180-200mm) wooden block under one front tire.
    3.  
  3. Slowly lower the jack until there is about half a load on the front coil spring.
    4.  
  4. Support the front of the vehicle with jackstands for safety.
    5.  
  5. Make sure that the front wheels are still straight and block them.
    6.  
  6. Move the lower suspension arm up and down and check that there is no vertical play in the joint.
    7.  
  7. If there is play in the joint, replace it.
    8.  
  8. Repeat the procedure for the other side.
    9.  

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

  1. Remove the front wheel from the side of lower control arm removal.
    2.  
  2. On models with a stabilizer bar, disconnect the link from the lower control arm.
    3.  
  3. Remove the steering knuckle with axle hub and mount in a vise-refer to the necessary service procedures.
    4.  



Click image to see an enlarged view

Fig. Fig. 1: With the knuckle secured in a vise, remove the nut from the ball joint



Click image to see an enlarged view

Fig. Fig. 2: Separate the ball joint from the knuckle using a puller

  1. Remove the dust deflector.
    2.  
  2. Remove the cotter pin and nut. Using a puller remove the lower ball joint.
    3.  

To install:
  1. Install the lower ball joint and tighten the nut to 87 ft. lbs. (118 Nm).
    2.  
  2. Install a NEW cotter pin.
    3.  
  3. Replace the dust deflector using seal installer and hammer. carefully tap the deflector into position. Install steering knuckle with axle hub.
    4.