How to Replace Ball Joints on Your Vehicle

The ball joints on your vehicle are structural components that allow the suspension to move at different angles for steering and control on rough roads. Typically located between the steering or suspension knuckle or spindle and the control arm, ball joints are subjected to constant movement which can cause them to wear out over time and need to be replaced. Removing and replacing a bad ball joint is often a simple task that can keep your vehicle’s suspension system performing safely and prevent an accident due to separation. If you need to replace the ball joints on your vehicle, you may hear clunking or knocking sounds when turning or driving over bumps, or you might notice your vehicle wandering on the road. A failing or malfunctioning ball joint can cause problems with handling in your vehicle, and could eventually come apart, causing the suspension system to collapse and putting you and others in danger. Our detailed step-by-step instructions will help you replace the ball joints on your vehicle.


Tools & Materials List

Step by Step Instructions:

Tools & Materials

Safety Eye Glasses Safety Glasses
Protective Gloves Nitrile Gloves
Ball Joints Ball Joints
Power Torque Socket Wrench Wrench
breaker bar Breaker Bar
Ratchet Ratchet
socket Sockets
floor Jack Floor Jack
jack stands Jack Stands
Grey Ball Joint Press Ball Joint Press
PTT-GM8723 Long Nose Pliers
hammer Hammer
LIS-41500 Pickle Fork
Penetrating Oil Pb Blaster Rust Penetrant

How to Replace The Ball Joints on Your Vehicle

We’ll be changing the ball joints on a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. Procedures will vary slightly from one vehicle to the next, so be sure to know the specifics for your vehicle before getting started. If you’re not completely comfortable doing this yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.
Show More Show Less

Prepare Your Vehicle

A blue-gray Hyundai Santa Fe sits level in the O'Reilly garage

Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle

Park your vehicle on a level surface, chock the rear wheels, and loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels with your breaker bar and socket.
Show More Show Less
Side-by-side photos of Chris uses a floor jack to lift the front end of the Hyundai Santa Fe and sliding jack stands underneath.

Step 2: Lift Your Vehicle

Jack up the front end of your vehicle and put it onto jack stands.
Show More Show Less
Side-by-side photos of Chris removing the lug nuts from the Santa Fe’s front wheels using a torque wrench.

Step 3: Remove the Wheels

Remove the lug nuts from your wheel using your breaker bar. Once the lug nuts are removed, remove the wheels from your vehicle.
Show More Show Less

Remove the Old Ball Joint

close up shot of a pair of long nose pliers removing the cotter pin. 2) Close up show of Chris’ breaker bar removing the pinch bolt.

Step 4: Remove The Pinch Bolt

Remove the pinch bolt at the top of the ball joint. There may be a cotter pin to remove first. If so, use your long nose pliers to remove it. Loosen the nut and bolt securing the pinch bolt using your breaker bar. If you need to loosen the bolt from the steering knuckle, tap the bolt with a hammer. Use the ball joint separator or pickle fork to carefully disengage the bolt from the steering knuckle.

Do It Right: Use some penetrating oil to make the bolt removal easier. If you use the hammer, leave the nut flush with the end of the bolt.

Show More Show Less
Side-by-side photos of Chris using ball joint separator to wedge the ball joint off the control arm.

Step 5: Separate the Ball Joint from the Control Arm

Start the pickle fork in between the control arm and ball joint. Use your hammer to tap the back of it to wedge the ball joint off the control arm. Reposition the control arm out from under the steering knuckle to give you room to remove the ball joint.
Show More Show Less
Side-by-side photo of the Santa Fe’s lock ring being removed and the old ball joint being removed.

Step 6: Unlock The Ball Joint

In our Santa Fe, the ball joint is secured with a lock ring. Other vehicles may be pressed in and require a special tool to remove the ball joint

Remove the snap ring from the ball joint and it may simply slide out of the control arm. You may need to tap on the ball joint with your hammer until it pops out of the bottom of the arm.
Show More Show Less

Replacing the New Ball Joint

Four photo arrangement showing the new ball joint installation and secure a new snap ring.

Step 7: Install the New Ball Joint

Install the new ball joint on the control arm and secure the snap ring. Move the ball joint back onto the steering knuckle and press the ball joint shaft into place.
Show More Show Less
Two close-up shots of a torque wrench tightening the pinch bolt and replacing a cotter pin.

Step 8: Secure the Pinch Bolt

Replace and secure the pinch bolt to the steering knuckle by using your torque wrench and tightening the bolt to 88 foot pounds or to manufacturer specifications. Install a new cotter pin at the end of the bolt.
Show More Show Less
Chris has replaced the Santa Fe’s wheels and is finger-tightening the lug nuts before lowering the vehicle completely.

Step 9: Replace Front Wheels

Put the wheels back on and finger-tighten the lug nuts, making sure the wheels are flush against the rotors.
Show More Show Less
Chris lowers the Santa Fe using the floor jack.

Step 10: Tighten the Lug Nuts

Remove the jack stands and use the jack to lower the front end of your vehicle. Once your vehicle is level again, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to manufacturer specifications.
Show More Show Less

Additional Resources

Gloved hand holding tie rod

How to Replace Tie Rods
check list for maintance

Routine Automotive Maintenance Overview
Gloved hand holding struts

How to Replace Lift Supports

The ball joints on your vehicle are structural components that allow the suspension to move at different angles for steering and control on rough roads. Typically located between the steering or suspension knuckle or spindle and the control arm, ball joints are subjected to constant movement which can cause them to wear out over time and need to be replaced. Removing and replacing a ball joint is often a simple task that can keep your vehicle’s suspension system performing safely and prevent an accident due to separation. If you need to replace the ball joints on your vehicle, you may hear clunking or knocking sounds when turning or driving over bumps, or you might notice your vehicle wandering on the road. A failing or malfunctioning ball joint can cause problems with handling in your vehicle, and could eventually come apart, causing the suspension system to collapse and putting you and others in danger. Our detailed step-by-step instructions will help you replace the ball joints on your vehicle.

The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.

Show More Show Less