OEM 2001 Chevrolet Malibu Ball Joint

2001 Chevrolet Malibu Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the lower ball joint on 2001 Chevrolet Malibu?

  A: First lift your vehicle into position and set it on stands for work. Protect the drive axle joint parts by using boot protectors during repair work to avoid putting too much force on them. Take out the wheel and tire before disconnecting the harness and link from both Control Arm areas. First take out the cotter pin and nut from the Ball Joint stud. The j 43828 Ball Joint separator tool lets you disconnect the Ball Joint stud from the Steering Knuckle. Detach the lower Control Arm from the front suspension crossmember by removing its rear bolt from the arm then unscrewing arm bolts and arm nuts. Put the Control Arm in a vice and remove its rivets to the lower Control Arm using a 3-mm (1/8-inch) pilot bit and a 13-mm (1/2-inch) drill bit that creates a final hole. Take the Ball Joint away from the lower Control Arm. Insert the new Ball Joint into the Control Arm and fasten it using the three Ball Joint bolts and nuts according to the specifications defined in the Ball Joint installation set. Secure the lower Control Arm to the front suspension crossmember and fasten the rear bolt at the Control Arm with 245 nm (180 ft. Lbs.) with an additional 180 degrees of rotation. Position both crossmember front bolts and nuts on top of the lower Control Arm and torque them to 115 nm (84 ft. Lbs.) plus 120 degrees. By securing the Steering Knuckle to its Ball Joint stud with a nut you need to apply force of at least 55 nm (41 ft. Lbs.) up to a maximum of 65 nm (55 ft. Lbs.). Before doing the final cotter pin installation. Reinstall everything by putting back the stabilizer shaft link, wiring harness to the lower Control Arm, tires, wheels, and lower the vehicle for wheel alignment examination.