Ball Joint Boot Replacement and Inspection
Special Tools Required
Image Description/Tool Number
609761.png Bearing Driver Attachment, 36 mm 07965-SA50500
420130.png Hub Dis/Assembly Tool, 42 mm 07GAF-SD40200
1. Ball Joint Boot - Inspect

Check the ball joint boot for weakness, damage, cracks, and inner boot grease leaks.

NOTE:
If the ball joint boot is damaged with grease leaks, replace the appropriate part as an assembly.
If the ball joint boot is weak and crack, but does not leak grease, replace the appropriate ball joint boot.

Front knuckle

1. Vehicle - Lift

Raise and support the vehicle.

2. Front Wheel - Remove

Remove the front wheel.

3. Knuckle Ball Joint - Disconnect

Disconnect the knuckle ball joint from the lower arm.

4. Ball Joint Boot - Remove
Remove the ball joint boot (A).


5. Ball Joint Boot - Install
1.
Pack the interior and lip (A) of a new boot with grease.
NOTE:
Keep the grease off of the boot-to-lower ball joint housing mating surfaces (B).
Use the grease that comes with the ball joint kit, or multi-purpose grease.
Do not let dirt or other foreign materials get into the boot.
2.
Pack fresh grease into the base (C).
3.
Install the ball joint boot.
4.
Squeeze it gently to force out any air.
5.
Wipe the grease off the tapered portion of the ball joint pin (D).
6.
Press the boot (A) with the bearing driver attachment until the bottom seats (B) on the knuckle ball joint housing all the way around.
7.
Wipe any grease off the exposed portion of the ball joint pin.

6. Knuckle Ball Joint - Connect

Connect the knuckle ball joint to the lower arm.

7. Front Wheel - Install

Install the front wheel.

Rear Upper Arm

1. Vehicle - Lift

Raise and support the vehicle.

2. Rear Wheel - Remove

Remove the rear wheel.

3. Rear Upper Arm - Remove

Remove the rear upper arm.

4. Ball Joint Boot - Remove
Remove the ball joint boot (A).


5. Ball Joint Boot - Install
1.
Pack the interior and lip (A) of a new boot with grease.
NOTE:
Keep the grease off of the boot-to-lower ball joint housing mating surfaces (B).
Use the grease that comes with the ball joint kit, or multi-purpose grease.
Do not let dirt or other foreign materials get into the boot.
2.
Pack fresh grease into the base (C).
3.
Install the ball joint boot.
4.
Squeeze it gently to force out any air.
5.
Wipe the grease off the tapered portion of the ball joint pin (D).
6.
Press the boot (A) with the hub dis/assembly tool until the bottom seats (B) on the upper ball joint housing all the way around.
7.
Wipe any grease off the exposed portion of the ball joint pin.

6. Rear Upper Arm - Install

Install the rear upper arm.

7. Rear Wheel - Install

Install the rear wheel.