How To: Replace Ball Joints on Your Vehicle

The ball joints on your vehicle are structural components that allow the suspension to move at different angles for steering and control on rough roads. Typically located between the steering or suspension knuckle or spindle and the control arm, ball joints are subjected to constant movement which can cause them to wear out over time and need to be replaced. Removing and replacing a bad ball joint is often a simple task that can keep your vehicle’s suspension system performing safely and prevent an accident due to separation. If you need to replace the ball joints on your vehicle, you may hear clunking or knocking sounds when turning or driving over bumps, or you might notice your vehicle wandering on the road. A failing or malfunctioning ball joint can cause problems with handling in your vehicle, and could eventually come apart, causing the suspension system to collapse and putting you and others in danger. Our detailed step-by-step instructions will help you replace the ball joints on your vehicle.

Supplies Needed for This Job:
1. Safety Glasses: https://urlzs.com/hbwc
2. Gloves: https://bit.ly/2GvfwAm
3. Ball Joints: http://bit.ly/3pcQpqa
4. Wrench: http://bit.ly/2IUfBzn
5. Breaker Bar: http://bit.ly/2UWfies
6. Ratchet and Sockets: http://bit.ly/2IEAOOi
7. Floor Jack: http://bit.ly/2ZxQiJl
8. Jack Stands: http://bit.ly/2L1YEp9
9. Ball Joint Press: http://bit.ly/366aIxN
10. Needle Nose Pliers: http://bit.ly/2Zxerj1
11. Hammer: http://bit.ly/3qGmyXk
12. Rust Penetrant: https://bit.ly/3aWALZt

0:00 Welcome Back
0:33 Lift and Support the Front End
1:02 Remove the Cotter Pin
1:20 Remove the Pinch Bolt
2:00 Remove the Ball Joint
3:00 Install the New Ball Joint
3:30 Reconnect to the Steering Knuckle
3:54 Install a Cotter Pin
4:16 Reinstall the Wheels

These step-by-step instructions and video detail a ball joint replacement on a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe, and the procedure will be similar on most vehicles. You should always consult your service manual to ensure proper replacement procedures and maintain your safety. Replacing a failing or failed ball joint provides for a safe, working suspension system, and can help you avoid an accident or premature wear to other parts of the vehicle. If you hear knocking, popping, or clunking when driving over bumps or turning, you may need to replace the ball joint on your car, truck, or SUV. Our helpful video and step-by-step instructions can help you perform a ball joint replacement to keep your suspension system safe and performing its best.

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Park on a level surface.
Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels with your breaker bar and socket.
Jack up the front end and put it on stands
Chock the rear wheels.
Remove the lug nuts… and the wheels.
Now, remove the pinch bolt at the top of the ball joint.
It’s a good idea to use some penetrating oil to make the bolt easier to remove.
There may be a cotter pin that needs to be removed first.
If so, use needle-nose pliers to remove it.
Use a wrench and a socket and breaker bar to loosen the nut and bolt securing the pinch bolt.
You may need to tap the bolt with a hammer in order to remove it from the steering knuckle.
Leave the nut flush with the end of the bolt if you use a hammer, and be careful to avoid the ABS sensor.
Once the bolt is removed, use a ball joint separator, or pickle fork, to disengage it from the steering
knuckle.
This tool is safe to use in our case because we’ll be replacing the ball joints, but it can cause damage, so
only use one of these in situations where you’ll be replacing the ball joint.
Start the fork in between the control arm and ball joint… and use a hammer to tap the back of it in orderto wedge the ball joint off the control arm.
Reposition the control arm out from under the steering knuckle to give you room to remove the ball
joint.

*View full video for complete instructions*