Ball Joint Boot Replacement
Ball Joint Boot Replacement
Removal
1. Vehicle Lift
1. Raise the vehicle on a lift, and make sure it is securely supported.
2. Front Wheel
1. Remove the front wheel.
3. Lower Ball Joint Lower Arm Side - Disconnection
1. Remove the flange bolt (A).
2. Remove the flange nuts (B).
3. Disconnect the lower ball joint (C) from the lower arm.
4. Driveshaft Spindle Nut, Front Left
1. Pry up the stake (A) on the spindle nut (B).
2. Remove the spindle nut.
5. Driveshaft Front Left - Disconnection Outboard Side
1. Separate the outboard joint from the front hub using a soft face hammer.
2. Pull the knuckle outward, and separate the outboard joint from the front hub.
6. Ball Joint - Removal
NOTICE:
Always use a ball joint remover to disconnect a ball joint. Do not strike the housing or any other part of the ball joint connection to disconnect it.
1. Install a hex nut (A) or the ball joint thread protector.
NOTE: When using a hex nut, make sure the nut is flush with the ball joint pin end to prevent damage to the threaded end of the ball joint pin.
2. Apply grease to the ball joint remover on the areas shown (A).
3. Install the ball joint remover as shown.
NOTE:
* Fasten the safety chain (A) securely to a suspension arm or the subframe (B).
* Making sure not to damage the ball joint boot.
4. Tighten the pressure bolt until the ball joint pin pops loose from the ball joint connecting hole.
NOTE: Do not use pneumatic or electric tools on the pressure bolt.
5. Remove the ball joint remover.
6. Remove the hex nut or the ball joint thread protector.
7. Pull the ball joint out of the ball joint connecting hole.
7. Front Lower Ball Joint
1. Remove the lock pin (A).
2. Remove the castle nut (B).
3. Remove the lower ball joint (C).
8. Ball Joint Boot
1. Remove the boot (A).
Installation
1. Ball Joint Boot
1. Pack the interior and lip (A) of a new boot with grease.
NOTE:
* Keep the grease off of the boot-to-lower ball joint housing mating surfaces (B).
* Use the grease that comes with the ball joint kit, or multi-purpose grease.
* Do not let dirt or other foreign materials get into the boot.
2. Pack fresh grease into the base (C).
3. Install the boot.
4. Squeeze it gently to force out any air.
5. Wipe the grease off the tapered portion of the ball joint pin (D).
6. Press the boot.
7. Wipe any grease off the exposed portion of the ball joint pin.
2. Front Lower Ball Joint
1. Install the lower ball joint (A).
2. Install the new castle nut (B).
NOTE: Torque the castle nut to the lower torque specification, then tighten it only far enough to align the slot with the ball joint pin hole. Do not align the castle nut by loosening it.
3. Install the lock pin (C) as shown.
3. Driveshaft Front Left - Reconnection, Outboard Side
1. Apply about 5 g (0.18 oz) of moly 60 paste (P/N 08734-0001) to the contact area (A) of the outboard joint and the front wheel bearing.
NOTE: The paste helps to prevent noise and vibration.
2. Install the outboard joint (A) into the front hub (B) on the knuckle.
4. Driveshaft Spindle Nut, Front Left
1. Apply a small amount of engine oil to the seating surface of a new spindle nut (A).
2. Install the spindle nut.
3. Use a drift to stake the spindle nut shoulder (B) against the driveshaft.
5. Lower Ball Joint Lower Arm Side - Reconnection
1. Connect the lower ball joint (A) to the lower arm.
2. Install the new flange nuts and the new flange bolt in the sequence shown.
6. Front Wheel
1. Install the front wheel.
NOTE: Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surfaces between the brake disc and the inside of the wheel.
7. Pre-Alignment Checks
For proper inspection and adjustment of the wheel alignment, do these checks:
1. Release the parking brake to avoid an incorrect measurement.
2. Make sure the suspension is not modified.
3. Make sure the fuel tank is full, and that the spare tire, the jack, and the tools are in place on the vehicle.
4. Check the tire size and tire pressure according to tire information.
8. Caster - Inspection
Use commercially available computerized four wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
1. Check the caster angle.
* If the measurement is within specifications, measure the front camber angle.
* If the measurement is not within specifications, check for bent or damaged suspension components.
9. Camber - Inspection
Use commercially available computerized four wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
1. Check the camber angle.
* If the measurement is within specification, measure the toe-in.
* If the measurement for the front camber is not within the specification, go to front camber adjustment.
* If the measurement for the rear camber is not within the specification, check for bent or damaged suspension components.
10. Front Toe - Inspection
Use commercially available computerized four wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
1. Set the steering column to the middle tilt position and telescopic positions.
2. Center the steering wheel spokes, and install a steering wheel holder tool.
3. Check the toe with the wheels pointed straight ahead.
Front toe-in: 0±2 mm (0±0.08 in)
* If adjustment is required, go to the front toe adjustment.
* If no adjustment is required, remove the alignment equipment.
11. Turning Angle - Inspection
Use commercially available computerized four wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
1. Turn the wheel right and left while applying the brake, and measure the turning angle of both wheels.
2. If the measurement is not within the specifications, even up both sides of the tie-rod threaded section length while adjusting the front toe.
3. If it is correct, but the turning angle is not within the specifications, check for bent or damaged suspension components.