Ball joints are part of the steering and suspension of most vehicles. A ball joint allows the front suspension to move up and down and steer back and forth simultaneously. A ball joint consists of a metal ball encased in a metal housing. The two parts move independently of each other and require regular lubrication. A worn-out ball joint may cause erratic steering and requires separation from the suspension control arm for replacement.
Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels. Place a floor jack under the front frame rail on the side of the vehicle where the ball joint is to be removed. Loosen the wheel lugs on the wheel one turn with a lug wrench. Raise the floor jack. Place a jack stand under the frame rail. Finish removing the wheel lugs and the wheel.
Remove the cotter pin from the castle nut on the underside of the ball joint to be removed with pliers. Remove the castle nut in a counterclockwise direction with a socket and breaker bar.
Insert the tapered open end of the upper arm of a four-way ball joint separator in between the ball joint and the suspension control arm at the ball joint stud.
Operate the lower arm of the separator. Remove the center bolt at the pivot point of the separator and move the lower arm to the next hole in the tool if the gap between the ends of the two arms is too far apart for the adjustment screw to operate. Replace the center bolt. Note that the ends of the upper and lower arms of separator should be in close proximity together.
Turn the adjustment screw on the upper arm of the separator until it comes into contact with the lower arm. Continue turning the nut with a wrench in a clockwise direction until the ball joint separates from the suspension control arm.
Loosen the adjustment screw and slide the separator away from the ball joint to remove it.
