Balljoints — replacement
1. Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Remove the wheel. Note: If you’re going to remove the ballpoint using a puller (as described in Steps 9 through 13), loosen the drive axle/hub nut before raising the vehicle (see Clutch and driveaxles).
Pickle fork method
Caution: The following procedure is the quickest way to detach a ballpoint from the steering knuckle, but it will very likely damage the ballpoint boot. If you want to save the boot, proceed to Step 9.
2. Remove the cotter pin from the ballpoint stud and loosen the nut (but don’t remove it yet).
3. Separate the ballpoint from the steering knuckle with a pickle fork-type ballpoint separator. Lubricate the rubber boot with grease and work carefully so as not to tear the boot. Remove the ballpoint stud nut.
4. Remove the bolt and nuts securing the ballpoint to the control arm (see illustration 5.3a). Separate the ballpoint from the con-troll arm with a prybar.
5. To install the ballpoint, position it on the steering knuckle and install the nut, but don’t tighten it yet.
6. Attach the ballpoint to the control arm and install the bolt and nuts, tightening them to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
7. Tighten the ballpoint stud nut to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications and install a new cotter pin. If the cotter pin hole doesn’t line up with the slots on the nut, tighten the nut additionally until it does line up — don’t loosen the nut to insert the cotter pin.
8. Install the wheel and lug nuts. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque listed in the Tune-up and routine maintenance Specifications.
Puller method
9. Separate the control arm from the ballpoint (see Control arm — removal, inspection and installation).
10. Pull the outer end of the drive axle from the steering knuckle (see Clutch and driveaxles) and suspend the drive axle with a piece of wire.
11. Remove the cotter pin from the ballpoint stud and loosen the nut (but don’t remove it yet).
12. Install a small puller (see illustration) and pop the ballpoint stud from the steering knuckle.
6.12 To separate the ballpoint from the steering knuckle, install a small puller and pop the ballpoint stud loose
13. Remove the nut and remove the ballpoint.
14. Install the new ballpoint into the steering knuckle and tighten the nut to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications. Install a new cotter pin. If the cotter pin hole doesn’t line up with the slots on the nut, tighten the nut until it does — don’t loosen the nut to insert the cotter pin.
15. Insert the outer end of the drive axle through the steering knuckle and install the nut. Tighten it securely, but don’t attempt to tighten it completely yet.
16. Connect the ballpoint to the lower arm and tighten the fasteners to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
17. Install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque listed in the Tune-up and routine maintenance Specifications.
18. Tighten the drive axle/hub nut to the torque listed in the Clutch and driveaxles Specifications. Install the lock washer and cotter pin.