1998 Dodge Dakota Logo
Posted on Aug 23, 2009
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How to take off stock upper and lower ball joint assembly

I need to replace the upper and lower ball joints on my 1999 Dakota Sport (318 engine). I plan to purchase the bolt on ball joint assemblys but am not sure how to remove the OEM units. The bolts that hold it on are round on the top and flat on the bottom. Could I drill these out (although this would take quite a bit of time)? Do they have to be pressed out at a shop?

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  • Posted on Aug 23, 2009
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Joined: Aug 23, 2009
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Yes they need to be pressed out they make a tool that takes care of installing and replacing

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Front right hub and sensor assembly or a diagram

stevenhurc_11.jpg

Removal Steps

1. Torsion bar

2. Wheel speed sensor

(if equipped with ABS)

3. Back plate

4. Lower ball joint

5. Upper ball joint

6. Knuckle assembly

7. Oil seal

8. Thrust washer

9. Needle bearing

10. Knuckle

Installation Steps

10. Knuckle

9. Needle bearing

8. Thrust washer

7. Oil seal

6. Knuckle assembly

5. Upper ball joint

4. Lower ball joint

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1. Torsion bar

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  1. Support the vehicle in normal driving position with ball joints loaded.
  2. Wipe the grease fitting and checking surface, so they are free of dirt and grease. The checking surface is the round boss into which the grease fitting is threaded.
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How do you put in a ball joint in a 2001 sebring convertible

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1. Loosen compression lower arm ball joint nut. Using steering linkage puller, separate ball joint and
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2. Ensure upper arm shaft assembly is installed at indicated angle. Verify upper arm shaft
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Once you have the correct arm off and a replacement joint (if available, some are not serviceable and require the arm to be replaced) then you will need a press or a ball joint press to change the joint. Such as
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38335

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46389

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=66958

or http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46967
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