Table of contents: Inner balljoint 🠇 Outer balljoint 🠇
Inner balljoint
Removal
1. Remove the track-rod as described in Section 18.
2. Note the number of exposed threads on the balljoint shank, then loosen the locknut and unscrew the balljoint from the end of the track-rod.
Refitting
3. Screw the balljoint onto the end of the track-rod to leave the same number of threads exposed as noted during removal, then tighten the locknut Ensure that the bolt hole in the balljoint is vertical - ie parallel to the outer track-rod balljoint pin.
4. Refit the track-rod as described in Section 18.
Outer balljoint
Note: A new track-rod end balljoint nut must be used on refitting.
Removal
5. Chock the rear wheels then jack up the front of the vehicle and support it on axle stands (see "Jacking and vehicle support"). Remove the relevant front roadwheel.
6. Unscrew the nut securing the track-rod end to the steering arm on the suspension strut and recover the washer. Using a balljoint separator tool, separate the track-rod end from the steering arm.
7. Note the number of exposed threads on the balljoint shank, then loosen the locknut and unscrew the balljoint from the end of the track-rod.
Refitting
8. Screw the balljoint onto the end of the track-rod, to leave the same number of threads exposed as noted during removal, then tighten the locknut. Ensure that the balljoint pin is pointing vertically downwards.
9. Reconnect the track-rod to the steering arms, then fit the washer and new nut and tighten the nut to the specified torque.
10. Refit the roadwheel and lower the vehicle to the ground.
11. Have the front wheel alignment checked at the earliest opportunity (refer to Section 19 for details). Check also that the steering wheel is centralised (if necessary, the steering wheel position can be altered by removing the wheel and moving it the required number of splines on the column shaft before refitting - see Section 10).