- Jack and jack stands
- Socket set
- Ratchet
- Breaker bar
- Pliers
- C-clamp
- Ball joint separator
- New ball joints
Instructions:
1. Prepare your car
- Park your car on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down.
- Jack up the front of your car and place jack stands under the frame.
- Remove the lug nuts and wheels.
2. Remove the old ball joints
- Locate the ball joints. They are located on the lower control arms, connecting the control arms to the steering knuckles.
- Use a socket set and ratchet to remove the nuts and bolts that hold the ball joints in place.
- If the nuts and bolts are rusted or seized, you may need to use a breaker bar to loosen them.
3. Separate the ball joints from the control arms
- Use a ball joint separator to separate the ball joints from the control arms. A ball joint separator is a tool that forces the ball joints out of the control arms.
- Insert the ball joint separator into the space between the ball joint and the control arm.
- Turn the ball joint separator until the ball joint pops out of the control arm.
4. Repeat for the other ball joint
- Repeat the process for the other ball joint.
5. Install the new ball joints
- Insert the new ball joints into the control arms.
- Install the nuts and bolts that hold the ball joints in place.
- Tighten the nuts and bolts until they are snug.
- Check the alignment of the wheels before lowering the car.
6. Lower the car and test drive
- Lower the car and replace the wheels and lug nuts.
- Test drive your car to make sure the new ball joints are installed correctly and that the alignment is correct.
