What to know
- Replacing an upper control arm ball joint may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually a fairly straightforward job that can be completed with the right tools and a little bit of patience.
- Once the ball joint is separated, you can remove the old ball joint from the upper control arm.
- Replacing an upper control arm ball joint is a relatively simple repair that can be completed in a few hours.
Replacing an upper control arm ball joint may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually a fairly straightforward job that can be completed with the right tools and a little bit of patience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to replace an upper control arm ball joint, from start to finish.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you get started, you’ll need to gather the following tools and materials:
- New upper control arm ball joint
- Socket wrench set
- Torque wrench
- Ball joint separator
- Hammer
- Pry bar
- Jack and jack stands
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
Safety First
Before you begin any work on your vehicle, it’s important to take safety precautions. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from flying debris and sharp edges. Also, be sure to park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Remove the Wheel
Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that corresponds to the upper control arm you’ll be working on. Then, jack up the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
2. Disconnect the Stabilizer Bar
Locate the stabilizer bar link that connects to the upper control arm. Using a socket wrench, remove the nut and bolt that secure the link to the control arm. Then, disconnect the link from the control arm.
3. Remove the Upper Control Arm Bolts
There are usually two bolts that secure the upper control arm to the vehicle’s frame. Using a socket wrench, remove these bolts.
4. Separate the Ball Joint
This is where the ball joint separator comes in. Position the separator over the ball joint and tighten the bolt until the joint pops apart.
5. Remove the Old Ball Joint
Once the ball joint is separated, you can remove the old ball joint from the upper control arm.
6. Install the New Ball Joint
Insert the new ball joint into the upper control arm. Make sure the ball joint is fully seated.
7. Tighten the Ball Joint Nut
Using a torque wrench, tighten the ball joint nut to the specified torque.
8. Reinstall the Upper Control Arm
Lift the upper control arm into place and insert the bolts. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
9. Reconnect the Stabilizer Bar
Reattach the stabilizer bar link to the upper control arm and tighten the nut and bolt.
10. Reinstall the Wheel
Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle to the ground and fully tighten the lug nuts using a torque wrench.
Tips
- If you’re having trouble separating the ball joint, try using a hammer to tap on the separator.
- Be careful not to overtighten the ball joint nut.
- If you’re not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it’s best to take your vehicle to a mechanic.
Wrapping Up
Replacing an upper control arm ball joint is a relatively simple repair that can be completed in a few hours. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can save yourself time and money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I replace my upper control arm ball joints?
A: Ball joints typically last for 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, they can wear out prematurely if you drive on rough roads or frequently tow heavy loads.
Q: What are the signs of a worn ball joint?
A: Common signs of a worn ball joint include:
- Clunking or popping noises when turning or going over bumps
- Loose or wobbly steering
- Uneven tire wear
Q: Can I drive with a bad ball joint?
A: Driving with a bad ball joint is dangerous. A worn ball joint can cause the wheel to detach from the vehicle, leading to an accident.