- Socket Set
- Jack and Jack Stands
- C-Clamp
- Pickle Fork
- Pry Bar
- New Lower Ball Joints
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparatory Step
1. Engage parking brake.
2. Use the jack to lift the vehicle and place jack stands at designated lift points for added safety and stability.
Step 2: Removing the Tires and Wheels
1. Locate the lug nuts on the front wheels.
2. Use the correct socket to loosen and remove the lug nuts in a star pattern, but do not remove them entirely yet.
3. Use the jack to raise the vehicle until the wheels are off the ground.
4. Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheels.
Step 3: Separating the Pitman Arm and Tie Rods
1. Locate the tie rods behind the wheels.
2. Use a wrench or a breaker bar to loosen the tie rod nuts.
3. Use a pickle fork or pry bar to separate the tie rods from the Pitman arm.
Step 4: Disassemble the Strut
1. Remove the lug nuts that secure the strut to the spindle.
2. Once the lug nuts have been removed, gently tap on the strut with a mallet or pry bar to separate it from the spindle.
3. Slide the strut out of the spindle and remove the spindle nut.
4. Slide the spindle off of the lower control arm.
5. Remove the pinch bolt that secures the lower ball joint to the control arm.
6. Use a pry bar to pry the lower ball joint out of the control arm.
7. Slide the lower ball joint off of the spindle.
Step 5: Installing the New Lower Ball Joints
1. Slide the new lower ball joint into the control arm and secure it with the pinch bolt.
2. Slide the spindle back onto the lower control arm and secure it with the spindle nut.
3. Slide the strut back into the spindle and ensure it's seated properly.
4. Attach the strut to the spindle using the lug nuts and tighten them.
5. Reattach the tie rods and nuts to the Pitman arm.
Step 6: Reinstall Everything and Lower your vehicle
1. Put the wheels and tires back on.
2. Hand tighten the lug nuts but do not fully tighten them yet.
3. Lower the vehicle until the wheels touch the ground.
4. Completely tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
Step 7: Test Drive and Adjust
- Perform a test drive and check the alignment and steering for any issues.
- Make necessary alignment adjustments if required.
