TL FWD V6-3.5L (2009)
Ball Joint: Service and Repair
Ball Joint Boot Inspection/Replacement
Ball Joint Boot Inspection/Replacement
Special Tools Required
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Ball joint boot clip guide, 45 mm 070AG-SJA0300
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Ball joint boot clip guide, 39 x 41 mm 07974-SA50700
1. Check the ball joint boot for weakness, damage, cracks, and grease leaks.
NOTE:
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If the ball joint boot is damaged with grease leaks, replace the appropriate part as an assembly.
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If the ball joint boot is soft and cracked without grease leaks, go to step 2. Replace the appropriate ball joint boot.
2. Disconnect the appropriate ball joint connection, and remove the component including the ball joint:
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The front knuckle. See: Front Steering Knuckle/Service and Repair
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The front upper arm. See: Control Arm/Service and Repair/Front Upper Arm Replacement
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The rear upper arm. See: Control Arm/Service and Repair/Rear Upper Arm Replacement
3. Remove the boot clip and the boot.
4. Pack the interior and lip (A) of a new boot with grease. Keep the grease off of the boot-to-housing mating surfaces (B).
5. Pack fresh grease into the base (C). Do not let dirt or other foreign materials get into the boot.
6. Install the boot on the ball joint, then squeeze it gently to force out any air, then wipe the grease off the tapered portion of the ball joint pin (D).
7. The front knuckle ball joint or the rear upper arm ball joint: Adjust the depth by turning the ball joint boot clip guide until its base is just above the
groove around (A) the bottom of the boot. Then slide the clip (B) over the tool and into position on the boot.
8. The front upper arm ball joint: Adjust the ball joint boot clip guide with the adjusting bolt (A) until its base is just above the groove around (B) the
bottom of the boot. Then slide the clip (C) over the ball joint boot clip guide and into position on the boot.
9. After installing a boot, wipe any grease off the exposed portion of the ball joint pin.
