DIY REAR LOWER BALL JOINTS/BEARINGS


Heres the link to the pics I took. Big thanks to N Jay who made my first post into a word document which I can PM to anyone who wants it. I will be making a word document for this too.


Tools needed:
-Well made crescent wrench or 18mm box wrench
-15/16 socket
-17mm socket
-18mm sockets
-36mm socket
-9mm deep socket
-Phillips head screw driver
-10mm box wrench
-t27 torx bit
-e10 torx socket
-air tools (I take back when I said air tools are optional. in order to get the new ball joint on you have to have air tools. A breaker bar just won't cut it)
-Socket for the ball joints
-hammer
-bearing extractor/press in set
-drum brake pliers
-snap ring pliers
-jack/jackstands
First jack up on the back of the truck. I removed a sheet metal crossmember that held the exhausts in order for the jack to be able to hit the subframe center. I would not jack up on the differential.
Last edited by Nickthegreek; Feb 6, 2014 at 10:33 AM.


Using the 36mm socket remove the collar nut then press out the drive axle with a two jaw puller
Last edited by Nickthegreek; Feb 6, 2014 at 11:27 AM.


Compress then remove the brake caliper/bracket assembly and hang it




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This is the rear facing linkage which comes out first.
There is a bolt with an 18mm head and 18mm nut. The nut sits in the wheel carrier and there is no room for even a box wrench to fit on it. For this you need either a crescent wrench or a open end wrench I used my new crescent wrench. It didnt strip thank god but I painted the bolt with anti-seize so that would definitely never happen




Just remove the plastic bracket for now
The next linkage is the one that faces the front of the car. This uses the same exact bolt as the rear one does so same tools. I also painted this one with anti-seize afterwards




Hub and backing plate came right out


Next take out the snap ring from the bearing. The rear on mine came out easy whereas the front needed alot of persuasion. Read my front DIY for details on getting a stuck snap ring loose.
Next pound out the bearing. The rear bearings are exactly the same as the front ones so checkout my front DIY for details on removing them


