How to Install an Upper Ball Joint on a 1996 Jimmy
- 1). Turn the engine of the Jimmy off and engage the parking brake. If your Jimmy comes with them, place the wheel blocks behind the back wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling off. It would also be helpful to park the Jimmy on a flat surface.
- 2). Place the jack under the Jimmy and raise it up. Make sure the vehicle is at a position in which you are personally comfortable working with. Loosen the wheel nuts with the wheel wrench and remove the tire from the Jimmy on the side of which you will be replacing the upper ball joint.
- 3). Remove the brake hose bracket from the control arm with a socket wrench.
- 4). Use a 12.7mm drill bit to drill out the rivets securing the upper ball joint in place. Pull of the cotter-pin and the nut from the ball stud with a socket wrench.
- 5). Use a Philips screwdriver to pry out the ball joint and separate it from the steering knuckle. The replacement ball joint should have come with replacement nuts and bolts to replace the original securing rivets. Place the new ball joint onto the vehicle and secure it by tightening the bolts and nuts to 24 Nm or 18 ft. lbs.
- 6). Reattach the brake hose bracket and reattach the wheel. Lower the vehicle and remove the wheel blocks.