6-27. LOWER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT
This task covers:
a. Inspection
c. Installation
b. Removal
a. Inspection
1.
Raise and support lower control arm (9).
2.
Remove cotter pin (7) and slotted nut (6) from lower ball joint (3) and geared hub (5). Discard cotter
pin (7).
NOTE
Note direction of outer capscrews for installation.
3.
Remove four locknuts (2), washers (1), capscrews (8), and washers (1) from lower ball joint (3) and
lower control arm (9). Discard locknuts (2).
4.
Using puller, remove ball joint (3) with boot retainer (4) from geared hub (5).
b. Removal
1.
Chock rear wheels.
2.
Raise and support front wheels 2 in. (5.1 cm) off ground.
3.
Mark a line across the top screw (11) of steering arm cover (10). Mark should be parallel with lower
control arm (9).
4.
Set a 6-in. (15.3 cm) ruler upright between lower control arm (9) and marked screw (11).
5.
Install prybar between lower control arm (9) and geared hub (5). Push down on prybar and try to
move geared hub (5).
6.
Measure any movement in the geared hub (5). Replace lower ball joint (3) if any movement is more
than 1/8 in. (3.2 mm).
INITIAL SETUP:
Tools
General mechanic’s tool kit:
automotive (Appendix B, Item 1)
Pickle fork (Appendix B, Item 129)
Materials/Parts
Cotter pin (Appendix G, Item 18)
Four locknuts (Appendix G, Item 65)
Personnel Required
One mechanic
One assistant
Manual References
TM 9-2320-280-10
TM 9-2320-280-24P
Equipment Condition
Wheel removed (para. 8-3)
c. Installation
NOTE
• Lower ball joint replacement procedures are the same for all models,
except M996, M997, M1037, M1042, M1097, M1123, and “A1” and
“A2” series vehicles. These have heavy duty rear lower ball joints and
the locknuts securing ball joints to rear lower control arms on these
vehicles must be tightened to 60 lb-ft (81 N•m).
• Ensure outer capscrews on front ball joints are installed from top
down and inner capscrews are installed from bottom up for M1123
and “A2” series vehicles only.
1.
Install ball joint (3) with boot retainer (4) to lower control arm (9), ensuring ball joint (3) is placed
below lower control arm (9) with four washers (1), capscrews (8), washers (1), and locknuts (2).
Tighten locknuts (2) to 35 lb-ft (47 N•m).
TM 9-2320-280-20-2
6-60
Change 2
