Stratus V6-2.5L VIN H (1997)
Ball Joint: Service and Repair
Ball Joint Replacement
Lower Ball Joint Replacement
NOTE: The replacement of the lower ball joint seal boot is only allowed to be done in the event that the seal boot is damaged while performing a
service procedure on the vehicle.
CAUTIONS:
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Under no circumstances can a lower ball joint seal boot be replaced if it is determined that the vehicle had been driven with the seal boot damaged.
If the vehicle has been driven with a damaged seal boot contamination of the ball joint has occurred. When contamination of the ball joint has
occurred the lower control arm must be replaced. This is to ensure excessive wear of the ball joint does not occur from the contamination present
in the ball joint.
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Excessive wear in the ball joint can lead to a separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm.
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The procedure below must be carefully followed when replacing the ball joint seal in the event it is damaged while servicing a vehicle.
REMOVE
1. Remove lower control arm assembly from vehicle.
2. Wrap a shop towel around the ball joint and seal boot. This is to prevent dirt and cleaning solvent to enter ball joint when cleaning area around
ball joint.
3. Using ONLY a solvent such as Mopar Foamy Engine Degreaser or an equivalent, thoroughly clean lower control arm in area around ball joint and
seal. Then using a shop towel saturated with the engine degreaser, carefully wipe off the ball joint seal boot.
4. Using 2 screwdrivers remove the ball joint seal retaining ring from the bottom of the ball joint seal.
5. Remove ball joint seal from ball joint.
CAUTION: When replacing ball joint seal, do not use any other type of grease to lubricate ball joint other than the lubricant provided in the Mopar
Ball Joint Seal service kit, or equivalent.
INSTALL
1. Apply grease from the ball joint seal kit, to the specified areas of the ball joint stud and seal. Be sure no grease is present on the seal boot
installation section of the seal boot or lower control arm.
2. Slide ball joint seal boot with upper seal ring installed, down tapered section of ball joint stud. Seal boot is to be installed on stud of ball joint until
