Lower ball joint removal and installation

2011 HYUNDAI SONATA
150,000 MILES • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JESSICA MERTENS
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  • 68 POSTS
I'm having someone replace my lower ball joint and he's having trouble separating the lower ball joint from the other piece after you loosen the 3 bolts. I know you can take a pry bar but it's not wanting to separate. Also I'm wondering how you could put the new one in without a shop press?
Mar 21, 2021 at 12:42 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning,

The stud should have been released before removing the 3 bolts to the lower control arm.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-release-a-ball-joint

I would have him put back the 3 bolts and separate the ball joint from the spindle first with a tuning fork or ball joint separator.

Roy

Replacement

1. Remove the front wheel & tire.

Tightening torque:
88.3 - 107.9 N.m (9.0 - 11.0 kgf.m, 65.1 - 79.6 lb-ft)

CAUTION:
Be careful not to damage to the hub bolts when removing the front wheel & tire.

2. Loosen the bolt & nut and then remove the lower arm (A).

Tightening torque:
98.1 - 117.7 N.m (10.0 - 12.0 kgf.m, 72.3 - 86.8 lb-ft)


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3. Remove the front lower arm (A) and then loosen the bolts & nuts.

Tightening torque
Front:
137.3 - 156.9 N.m (14.0 - 16.0 kgf.m, 101.3 - 115.7 lb-ft)
Rear:
98.1 - 117.7 N.m (10.0 - 12.0 kgf.m, 72.3 - 86.8 lb-ft)
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Mar 22, 2021 at 9:01 AM