Some of the operations in replacing a balljoint will require some special tools and therefore one should take sometime to read through the procedure then go and get the right tools. First, use the jack to lift the front of the automobile, use jackstands to support the vehicle and then take off the wheel and the tire. Jack up the lower control arm and support it with the help of a floor jack from the lower control arm spring seat. Following this, safely unscrew the cotter pin on top of the balljoint then slacken the castellated nut, without withdrawing it. Remove the balljoint from the steering knuckle by fitting a balljoint separator tool and turning the castellated nut anti clockwise then remove the balljoint separator tool along with the castellated nut. There's no need to remove either the balljoint or the top of the brake disc splash shield, but you do need to get between the two-prising out the lower control arm very gently with a spoke to free the knuckle, and using a putty knife or similar to nudge the lower control arm out of the small gap in the shield. Take out the grease fitting from the ball joint and then, there is a ball joint removal /installation tool C-clamp type having appropriate adapters to push the ball joint out of the lower control arm. First of all, the tapered hole in the steering knuckle should be examined for any debris; if out of round or deformed or damaged in any way, the knuckle will have to be changed. Put the new balljoint into the lower control arm and push it in till it is flush with the arm with the grease purge seal facing inwards. Place the balljoint stud in the steering knuckle, fit the ball stud nut, and tightly torque it to the recommended measure. If the nut is not properly engaged to the stud and cotter pin hole then the nut is to be tight until it provides an opening for the cotter pin. Put on the balljoint grease fitting and pump the lube until you get grease at the seal. Last, but not the least, replace the wheel as well as the tire, lift the vehicle after that, and, at the end, seek the service of the alignment shop just to have the front end alignment checked.
