I found this while searching

"
1. remove braking hardware and tie it out of the way, don't disconnect the line(easy)
2. pop lower ball joint from lower control arm (varies...search)
3. remove axle nut and axle (easy)
4. pop upper ball joint from top of knuckle(varies...search)"

My only question is how do I pop out the upper ball joint? The lower balljoint I can do the wrench kick trick. Upper one just remove the 1 castle nut and cotter pin and hit it with a rubber mallet?

And comments on doing this? I needed a new wheel bearing anyways and my lower ball joint was pretty rough so im swapping the complete knuckle

 

I would do it in this order...

1. Remove axle nut
2. Remove caliper/lines from knuckle, let it hang.
3. Remove lower balljoint.
4. Remove upper balljoint (by removing it from LCA, the top should pop right off with a tap).

 

Anything I will need for this or should replace at this point?

There is a new lower ball joint going into the knuckle. the bearing is still good. I have 2 replacement castle nuts and cotter pins.

Anything else?

 

Nope, I was going to say balljoints, castle nut, and cotter pins.

 

maybe a new nut for the axle if it has been taken off a few times, the part that you "stake" to keep it in place can be all messed up.

 

also the tie rod. I just did this on my girls car cause 2 studs were snapped and the ball joint was just a mess.

 

I am replaing the drivers front wheel bearing in my wife's '99 EX sedan with ABS. When I am taking the knuckle out with the puller should I replace the lower ball joints while in there ? The lower is only $27 but my Haynes manual says there is special tools needed for replacment?


Modified by shortlid at 8:24 AM 5/18/2008