ok. have to replace the upper for inspection. so im doin it myself. while looking under. i notice. that upper has one screw? and a cotter pin. ( correct? )... if i remove that screw. then hit the bottom of the old u joint bolt. will it come out? or am i very mistaken? also. will i need to remove brakes. if i only need to replace upper. i will not be replacing lower. even though its recommended..and if i do only pull out upper. will i need to support the rest with something?

 

when I do ball joints I take off the tire, axle shaft, rotor, and caliper. sometimes you can bang the upper out but I usually just press it out. so much quicker. get a ball joint press, any auto parts store rents them. you will have to press the new one back in also

 

thank you.. i will rent a press.. but do i HAVE to take off caliper. axle shafts. and all that. and can i take off the upper without the loweR? or will it not hang/hold?

 

I could be wrong because Im not looking at my knuckles on my xj, but i cant see having enough room with the axle shaft still in there. seriously it only takes 15 min or less removing your brakes and shafts.

 

in fact theres no way you will have room without removing the shafts for the press to be used

 

ok. so i have to remove. calps, rotor. axle shaft? i know the calps just unbolt. rotor im not to sure about. and clueless on axle shaft.

 

pull the tire off

unbolt the 2 bolts that hold on the caliper on the back side of knuckle

bang off rotor with hand or tap with hammer

on the back side of the knuckle there are 3 bolts (12point bolts) that bolt on the hub. unbolt them.

pry on the hub to seperate from knuckle. the axle shaft will come with it.

simple as pie

 

sounds pretty easy.... more than i wanted to do for inspection. but im sure well worth it. i have to have a buddie air hammer a lug nut off first.. only one in my way so far. i went to take it off.. it rounded. then i went to use a smaller wrench... rounded more.. pounded over a 18.. then it rouded. coating finally fell off.. but that nut was rounded.. i tried splitting with a chisel.. but doesnt wanna break through... so i guess im gonna use a air hammer. and hopefully not damage the studd.

 

its a simple but time consuming job with the ball joints. make sure you are press them in straight! i would do uppers and lowers at the same time since everything is pulled apart.

 

i actually might now. just because. but when i search ball joint on autozone. it only shows me upper.. or upper plus controll arms.