🔧 Front Lower Ball Joints - Replacement

Assumption: On your Equinox, the front lower ball joint is serviced as part of the front lower control arm assembly, so the normal repair is to replace the complete control arm on each side.

This repair restores steering feel and front-end stability when the ball joint is loose, torn, or noisy. Because the ball joint is integrated into the control arm, replacing the whole arm is the correct factory-style repair. An alignment is required after the job.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle securely on jack stands before removing any suspension parts.
• Do not work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• Front suspension bolts are loaded; keep hands clear when separating the knuckle.
• An alignment is required after replacing control arms.
• If the vehicle has rusted fasteners, use penetrating oil and work slowly to avoid damage.

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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
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Breaker bar
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 22mm socket
• 24mm socket
• Large pry bar
• Ball joint separator (specialty)
• Hammer
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front lower control arm assembly, left - Qty: 1
• Front lower control arm assembly, right - Qty: 1
• Front lower control arm bolts and nuts - Qty: 2 sets
• Front sway bar link nuts - Qty: 2

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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 slightly before lifting.
• If the lower control arm is tight against the subframe, mark the bolt positions with a paint marker before removal.
• Replace both sides to keep steering and suspension wear even.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the front of the vehicle

• Use a floor jack to raise the front of the Equinox at the proper lift point.
• Place jack stands under the front support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Remove both front wheels with a 21mm socket.

Step 2: Remove the sway bar link from the strut

• Use an 18mm socket and a ratchet to remove the sway bar link nut from the strut.
• If the stud spins, hold it with the correct wrench or use a ball joint separator (specialty) to release it.

Step 3: Separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle

• Use a 22mm socket and breaker bar to remove the lower ball joint pinch bolt or nut at the knuckle, depending on fastener style.
• Use a ball joint separator (specialty) and hammer to free the ball joint stud from the knuckle.
• Do not damage the knuckle bore.

Step 4: Remove the front lower control arm

• Use a 15mm socket, 18mm socket, or the appropriate factory fastener size to remove the front and rear lower control arm bolts.
• Use a 24mm socket if the rear bushing bolt uses a larger head size on your setup.
• Lower the control arm out of the subframe carefully.

Step 5: Install the new control arm

• Position the new control arm into the subframe by hand.
• Start all bolts by hand before tightening.
• Attach the ball joint stud back into the knuckle.
• Install the new pinch bolt or nut and snug it with the correct socket.

Step 6: Tighten the suspension fasteners at ride height

• Raise the lower control arm slightly with a floor jack so the suspension sits near normal ride height.
• Tighten the lower control arm bolts with a torque wrench.
• Torque to factory specification for the control arm bolts and ball joint fasteners.
• Because fastener specs vary by position and bolt style, verify torque in the service data for the exact fastener you removed.

Step 7: Reinstall the sway bar link and wheel

• Reconnect the sway bar link to the strut using an 18mm socket.
• Install the wheel and snug the lug nuts with a 21mm socket.
• Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench.

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✅ After Repair

• Check that the steering turns smoothly lock-to-lock.
• Look for any looseness or clunks by gently bouncing the front end.
• Road test at low speed first.
• Schedule a front-end alignment as soon as possible.
• Recheck lug nut torque after the first drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $600-$1,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$420 (parts only)

You Save: $420-$780 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.