🔧 Front Lower Ball Joint - Replacement

On your Equinox, the front lower ball joint is serviced with the front lower control arm assembly. The safest and most accurate repair is to replace the complete lower control arm, which restores the ball joint and bushings together. This will change suspension geometry, so a wheel alignment is required after the repair.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle with jack stands; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Keep fingers clear when separating the steering knuckle from the ball joint.
• Do not let the brake hose or ABS wire hang unsupported.
• Use a torque wrench on all suspension fasteners.
• A wheel alignment is required after the repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Torque wrench
• Breaker bar
• Ratchet
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 21mm socket
• Torque angle gauge
• Ball joint separator (specialty)
• Penetrating oil
• Hammer
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front lower control arm assembly - Replace in pairs if both sides are worn - Qty: 1
• Front lower control arm hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Front wheel alignment - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front wheel lug nuts before lifting.
• Plan for an alignment after the repair is complete.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the vehicle

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to raise the front of the vehicle at the proper lift point.
• Place jack stands under the front support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Remove the wheel with a 21mm socket.

Step 2: Free the ball joint from the steering knuckle

• Spray penetrating oil on the ball joint nut and lower arm bolts.
• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to remove the ball joint retaining nut.
• Use a ball joint separator (specialty) to separate the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle.
• Do not strike the threaded stud directly.

Step 3: Remove the control arm

• Use an 18mm socket and 15mm socket to remove the lower control arm mounting bolts.
• Remove the lower control arm from the subframe.
• Compare the new control arm to the old one before installation.

Step 4: Install the new control arm

• Position the new control arm in place by hand.
• Start all bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Insert the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle.
• Install the retaining nut using a 21mm socket.

Step 5: Torque all fasteners

• Lower control arm-to-subframe bolts: Torque to 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs)
• Ball joint retaining nut: Torque to 70 Nm (52 ft-lbs)
• If new hardware includes angle torque, use a torque angle gauge and follow the hardware instructions.

Step 6: Reassemble and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the wheel and snug the lug nuts with a 21mm socket.
• Lower the vehicle off the jack stands.
• Torque the wheel lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the steering wheel left and right and listen for unusual noises.
• Check that the suspension moves smoothly.
• Drive carefully to a shop for a front-end alignment.
• Recheck fastener torque after a short test drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$900 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $140-$320 (parts only)

You Save: $310-$580 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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