Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands, applying the parking brake and blocking the rear wheels to prevent rolling. Visually inspect the rubber seal for damage, deterioration, and leaking grease; if any issues are found, replace the balljoint. Use a large pry bar to push the balljoint up, then position it between the
Steering Knuckle and
Control Arm to pry down, checking for movement between the balljoint and steering knuckle. If any movement is detected, a worn balljoint is indicated. Note that on models through 1996, the balljoint is on the knuckle with the stud pointing down, while on 1997 and later models, it is on the control arm with the stud pointing up. Have an assistant move the top of the tire in and out. Separate the control arm from the steering knuckle and attempt to twist the stud in the socket; if it turns, replace the balljoint. To replace, loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the front of the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel and separate the control arm from the steering knuckle, temporarily inserting the balljoint stud back into the control arm to ease removal later. Drill a pilot hole into the center of each balljoint-to-steering knuckle rivet, then drill the head off each rivet carefully to avoid deforming the holes in the control arm. Loosen the stabilizer bar-to-control arm nut, pull the control arm down to remove the balljoint stud, and dislodge the balljoint from the steering knuckle. Position the new balljoint and install the bolts from the top of the steering knuckle or control arm, tightening them to the specified torque. Insert the balljoint stud into its hole, install the castellated nut, tighten it to the torque, and install a new cotter pin, ensuring the nut is tightened enough to align the cotter pin hole. Tighten the stabilizer bar-to-control arm nut and install the wheel, lowering the vehicle and tightening the lug nuts to the specified torque. It is advisable to have the front end alignment checked and adjusted if necessary.