How to change a ball joint [AUTODOC TUTORIAL]

How to change ball joint on a car – replacement tutorial

To replace a ball joint, you may need:

                      a new part
                    
                      a toolkit
                    
                      a cleaning agent
                    
                      WD-40 spray
                    
                      a torque wrench
                    
                      snap ring pliers
                    
                      a ball joint puller
                    
                      a special C-frame tool for pressing out ball joints and a set of sleeves

Buy tools

Please note!

Ball joints are spherical bearings that connect the suspension arms to other suspension components
Over time, the insert that surrounds the ball stud wears out, which results in free play
Free play is indicated by incorrect operation of the suspension and abnormal noises when driving over bumps
Ball joint failure can be caused by a leaky dust boot
Dirt and moisture getting inside cause abrasion of the mating components

1.

A car lift or jack can be used to access the component
2.

When using a jack, be sure to secure the car with jack stands and wheel chocks

Ball joints differ depending on the type of attachment and can:
Be press-fitted in their mounting seatBe secured with threaded fastenersCome assembled with the arm
3.

Familiarise yourself with the design of the ball joint and its fasteners
4.

Removal of a ball joint may require dismounting the part in which it is press-fitted
5.

Detach any components obstructing access to the ball joint
6.

To remove the ball joint, you should disconnect it from the steering knuckle
7.

In most cases, when working with a steering knuckle, the CV axle should be disengaged

Important!
This will prevent the CV joints losing tightness or the CV axle being detached from the gearbox
8.

Clean the working area
9.

Remove the fasteners that connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle

Please note!
Ball joints with a cylindrical stud are secured in the knuckle by a clamping connectionComponents with a tapered stud fit snugly in the mounting seat in the knuckle and are secured by a nut
10.

Release the clamp and remove the ball stud from its seat

Be careful:
Suspension components may be loaded by the bushings or their own weight
11.

The dust boot needs to be removed before dismounting the joint

Please note!
Since the CV axle was detached, the steering knuckle can be moved freelyThis allows you to displace it relative to the ball joint without the risk of disconnecting the half axle from the gearboxUnderneath is the area of the joint’s body that should be acted upon when pressing out the part
12.

Remove the clips and dust boot
13.

Apply force uniformly over the entire upper surface of the part to avoid damaging the mounting hole

It is important to choose the right sleeves
The lower one must have a diameter that matches the resting surface on the arm and be larger than the ball jointThe diameter of the upper one should match the size of the joint’s bodyIf you have sleeves of different diameters at your disposal, you can use a press or a two- or three-jaw puller
14.

Clean the mounting seat
15.

Carefully pry up the clip and remove the rubber element
16.

Cover the joint with masking tape to prevent it from getting dirty
17.

Select a sleeve with an appropriate diameter

AUTODOC recommends:
When pressing in the ball joint, apply force on its body, i.e. on its circular edgeThe central part is the cover of the ball joint insert and is not load-bearingAvoid misalignment of the ball joint and suspension armThey must be kept parallel during press-fitting
18.

Reinstall the dust boot

Caution!
Be careful not to damage the dust boot with the tool or clips
19.

Fit the snap ring
20.

Make sure that all components are correctly installed
21.

Clean all fasteners
22.

Treat the ball stud mounting seat with an anti-corrosion agent
23.

Install new fasteners
24.

Tighten the fasteners to the manufacturer's recommended torque

Please note!
Replacing a ball joint with a threaded connection is much easier
25.

Check that the upper nut of the ball joint rotates easily
26.

If the fastener is stuck, free it up before pressing the ball stud out of the steering knuckle

Be careful!
Otherwise, the nut will be turned together with the stud, making the fastener difficult to remove
27.

Press the ball stud out of the steering knuckle
28.

The ball joint can be removed with a ball joint puller. The lower jaw of the tool should be placed under a component, for example the steering knuckle, for support.
29.

Rest the upper jaw of the tool against the ball stud and press the joint out of its mounting seat
30.

If using a puller is impossible due to lack of space, select another suitable tool
31.

Unscrew and remove the nut, lower the arm and remove the faulty ball joint
32.

Clean the mounting seats, paying particular attention to the tapered hole in the knuckle
33.

Traces of corrosion or dirt will prevent the new component from fitting properly

Please note!
The parts may differ in the mounting side and angle or in the size of the holes
34.

To prevent the nut from spinning together with the ball stud in the ball joint housing, a point is provided in the stud to lock it in place. If it cannot be accessed, prop up the ball joint body using a transmission jack or jack with extension

Important!
This will press the ball stud mounting surface tightly to its seatThe increased pressure in the contact area of the components will prevent the stud from rotating
35.

Make sure the tapered portion is fitted in the mounting seat and screw on the nut

Please note!
In some cases, when removing the ball joint, the angle the steering knuckle is turned to might be important. This means that it is virtually impossible to dismount the part when the knuckle is in a certain positionHowever, if you turn the steering knuckle in another direction, the joint can be removed without difficulty
36.

If the ball joints are fastened with rivets, these should be cut off and replaced with bolts