How To Replace Front Lower Ball Joint 01-06 Hyundai Elantra
Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Hyundai Elantra
Replace a front lower ball joint on a 2001–2006 Hyundai Elantra, remove the control arm for joint service, and replace the retaining clip and cotter pin during reassembly.
Tools you will need
- 14mm Wrench
- Socket Extensions
- Torque Wrench
- 14mm Socket
- Pry Bar
- Jack Stands
- 19mm Wrench
- 19mm Socket
- Bearing Grease
- Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Large Hammer
- Vise-Grips
- 9/16 Inch Wrench
- 30mm Socket
- Ratchet
- Floor Jack
- 36mm Socket
- 22mm Socket
Parts and supplies
- Front lower ball joint
- Ball-joint snap ring and cotter pin
Steps
Raise the vehicle and remove the wheel
Loosen the lug nuts, raise and support the front securely, then remove the wheel. Turn the steering for access to the stabilizer link and control-arm fasteners.
Disconnect the stabilizer link
Counterhold each link stud while removing its nuts. Move the link aside and preserve the order of its washers and bushings.
Remove the control arm
Separate the ball joint from the knuckle and remove the control-arm pivot fasteners. Lower the arm carefully and note the positions of its bolts and bushings.
Press out the old ball joint
Remove the joint boot and retaining clip. Support the control arm with a suitable fixture and press the old joint out without deforming the arm bore.
Install the replacement ball joint
Press the new joint squarely into the control arm until fully seated. Install the supplied retaining clip, grease the joint if required, and fit its protective boot.
Reinstall the control arm and link
Reconnect the control arm and ball joint, tightening fasteners to vehicle specifications. Reinstall the stabilizer link and fit a new cotter pin where required.
Refit the wheel and check alignment
Reinstall the wheel and torque its nuts to specification in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle and arrange an alignment check before normal driving.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.