Ball Joint: Service and Repair
Ball joint, replacing
Special tools:
999 2709 SLEDGE 999 2709 Sledge
999 5467 SOCKET 999 5467 Socket
999 5682 Tensioner band 999 5682 Tensioner Band
999 5781 Press tool 999 5781 Press Tool
999 5796 Press tool 999 5796 Press Tool
999 7076 Lever 999 7076 Lever
999 7149 Nut 999 7149 Nut
999 7230 Nut 999 7230 Nut
999 7255 Puller 999 7255 Puller
999 7256 Press tool 999 7256 Press Tool
Removal
Raise the vehicle.
Remove the front wheel.
Place 999 7256 Press tool 999 7256 Press Tool against the underneath of the spring strut seat and on the suspension strut in the engine compartment.
Note! The tool's upper seat has a marking that is directed towards the wing.
Align the tool against the spring strut seat.
Tighten the tool to light contact. Then tighten so that the spring is compressed approximately 60 mm.
Remove:
- the ball joint nut (clean the exposed threads outside the nut before removing).
- the 2 x ball joint screws.
Installing the press tool
When installing 999 7255 Puller 999 7255 Puller , install the tool's cap nut for the ball joint. Ensure that there is a clearance of 1-1.5 mm (A) between the nut and control arm.
Note! Thoroughly check that the correct nut is used as there are two different thread pitches.
Install the tool as illustrated.
Note! Turn the seat on the screw so that the side with the least height (A) points forward in the direction of the vehicle.
Turn the tool's screw so that the ball joint releases from the control arm.
Remove the tool.
Removing spring strut from control arm
Unhook the control arm from the ball joint. Use 999 7076 Lever 999 7076 Lever.
Move the spring strut back slightly to expose the ball joint. Hold the spring strut in place using 999 5682 Tensioner band 999 5682 Tensioner Band.
Removing the ball joint from the wheel spindle
Install:
- 999 7149 Nut 999 7149 Nut (coarse thread pitch) For earlier versions use: 999 7230 Nut 999 7230 Nut (fine thread pitch) for later versions, on the ball joint
- 999 2709 SLEDGE 999 2709 Sledge on the nut.
Tap loose the ball joint.
Cleaning the ball joint mounting
Warning! Always use protective goggles.
Clean the seat for the ball joint and the contact surfaces with a rotating steel brush. Grease the seat with wheel bearing grease, P/N 1161689.
Installation
Installing guide screws
999 5781 Press tool 999 5781 Press Tool have a wrench grip (see arrow) which is asymmetrically positioned.
Use the screw (2) with the shortest distance from the wrench grip turned downwards.
Installing ball joint
Note! Take care not to damage the ball joint boot.
Temporarily remove the protective cap from the ball joint.
Install the new ball joint loosely using 999 5781 Press tool 999 5781 Press Tool.
Note! Take care not to damage the ball joint boot.
Press up the ball joint against the seat with 999 5796 Press tool 999 5796 Press Tool.
Check that the ball joint is centered in the seat.
Drive in the ball joint with a copper hammer.
Remove the 2 x guide screws.
Install new protective cap on the ball joint.
Tighten the ball joint with the new screws x 2. Tighten to 50 Nm.
Installing ball joint in link arm
Note! Position the lever's hook on the control arm so that it comes into contact with the ball joint boot when installed on the control arm.
Remove the retaining strap from the spring strut.
Press the control arm down with lever 999 7076 Lever 999 7076 Lever.
Remove the protective cap from the ball joint. Align the ball joint lug in the control arm.
Installing the nut to the ball joint
Note! The ball joint pin may not rotate. Use: Torx wrench TX 40 as counterhold in order to prevent damaging the rubber boot.
Use socket 999 5467 SOCKET 999 5467 Socket as adapter for the torque wrench or a ring wrench adapter that is deigned for the torque wrench.
Install the nut. Tighten to 100 Nm.
Rust protect the thread outside the nut.
Finishing
Remove the spring tensioner.
Install the wheel. See: Installing wheels Service and Repair.