OEM 2000 Chevrolet Malibu Ball Joint

2000 Chevrolet Malibu Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: What tools are required to service and repair the ball joint on 2000 Chevrolet Malibu?

  A: The Ball Joint separator tool number j 43828 serves as the necessary equipment to work on the Ball Joint. Secure the car on stands while being cautious not to stress the drive axle joints too much as this could damage their internal parts and break them apart. Also use drive axle joint protection reels while servicing. Take off the tire and wheel parts before you disconnect the wiring harness from the lower Control Arm and connect to the stabilizer shaft link. Use the Ball Joint separator j 43828 to detach the Ball Joint stud and Steering Knuckle. Disengage the Ball Joint stud from the nut and cotter pin at its end before starting this process. Disconnect the lower Control Arm from the front suspension crossmember by removing its rear bolt first then its bolts and nuts . Mount the lower Control Arm in a vise so you can drill out the three rivets that attach the Control Arm and Ball Joint unit. Begin with a 3 mm pilot hole then complete it with a 13 mm drill bit. Put the new Ball Joint into the Control Arm and fasten it by three connecting bolts following manual instructions for torque values. Secure the lower Control Arm to the front suspension crossmember by attaching its front suspension crossmember rear bolt and tightening it at 245 nm (180 ft. Lbs.) plus 180 degrees. Then place front suspension crossmember front bolts along with their nuts into position at each lower Control Arm and secure them to 115 nm (84 ft. Lbs.) with 120 degrees of rotation. Thread the Ball Joint stud into the Steering Knuckle then install the Ball Joint nut tightly enough to reach 55 nm torque but no more than 65 nm before putting on the cotter pin. Finalize the job by attaching the stabilizer shaft link then putting back the wiring harness to the lower Control Arm before installing the tire assemblies and wheel. Also perform front wheel alignment inspection before lowering the vehicle.