Most 4x4 trucks have both upper and lower ball joints on the steering linkage underneath the vehicle. Ball joints allow you to steer the truck properly. Although the exact procedure for replacing the lower ball joints on your truck depends on the year and type of vehicle you own, the general procedure involves removing the wheels and disassembling parts of the steering knuckle or steering arm to access the ball joints, at which time you can remove them using a socket wrench.
Instructions
- 1
Turn off your truck's engine and lift the truck up with a jack. Place two jack stands at the front end of the truck to support it and prevent any injuries from occurring.
2Remove all of the lug nuts from the two front wheels with a wheel wrench. Pull off both of the truck's front wheels.
3Unbolt the brake caliper and move the wiring out of the way of the steering arm. With a pair of pliers, remove the arm's cotter pin. Remove the stud nut from the arm using a socket wrench.
4Remove all of the bolts from the lower ball joint on the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint prong to pry the ball joint off of the arm and knuckle.
5Place the new ball joint where the old ball joint was and reinstall the bolts to secure it.
6Reattach the truck's stud nut, then the cotter pin. Reassemble the brake caliper and reattach the front wheels.
7Remove the jack stands from the truck. Slowly lower the truck to the ground with the jack, then remove the jack.
