Front Lower Ball Joint Replacement - Strut Must Be Unbolted

Suspensionintermediate✓ Community Verified

Problem

When replacing front lower ball joints, the rear ball joint stud will not clear the strut assembly, making removal impossible without additional disassembly not mentioned in the TSRM.

Cannot remove rear ball joint stud past the strut during lower ball joint replacementWorn or loose lower ball joints causing play in front suspensionUpper ball joints also found worn with clicking/rattling when inspected

Root Cause

The front strut physically blocks the rear ball joint stud from clearing during removal. The TSRM does not mention that the strut must be unbolted from the lower control arm, but it is required to complete the job.

Confidence

Moderate confidence — Multiple community members agreed on this solution

View Original Thread →Posted June 2020 on SupraForums.com