1995 Nissan Maxima Lower Ball Joint

Question

I can't find the large repair manual I bought for my Nissan Maxima since we moved. I need to know what is involved in disassembling and replacing the driver side lower ball joint. Its super loose! I know I shouldn't be driving around like this for long so is there an online resource I can get the steps from?

Answer 1

The ball joints connect the steering column with the two front wheel struts. If worn out, the ball joint can allow play in the steering and even cause increased tire wear. Replacing the ball joints is a simple process that any home mechanic can tackle with a little knowledge and the right tools. For this you will need: hammer, Ball joint removal tool, new ball joint, lug nut wrench, car Jack, Allen wrenches, Socket set. For disassembling and replacing the driver side lower ball joint you can use following steps:

• In the first step you will Jack the driver's side front wheel up off the ground with the carjack and then use the lug nut wrench in order to remove the lugnuts and wheel.

• Now turn the steering wheel all the way to the right so that you can easily access the ball joint on the side of the control arm.

• Use the socket set to remove the largest nut from the joint at the bottom of the entire structure. Slide the shank of the ball joint up through the steering knuckle of the control arm and then place the tongs of the pickle fork on the ball joint and hit the shaft of the joint firmly with a hammer until the ball joint pops out.

• Use the Allen wrenches to loosen the two mounting bolts in the top of the ball joint. Raise the control arm, slide the old joint out and slide the new ball joint into place. Tighten down the two Allen bolts, slide the new rubber cover over the joint and then slide the ball joint into place on the control arm. Install the new mounting s***w on the bottom of the joint and tighten with the socket wrench.

• Slide the wheel back into place, install and tighten the lug nuts. Lower the car and remove the jack. Now follow Step 1 through Step 3 to replace the ball joint on the passenger side of the Thunderbird.