How to Replace a Ball Joint on an 03 Saturn Vue

A ball joint is part of the primary hinge in the vehicle's front suspension. As is true of any automobile component, it can wear down over time and will need to be removed for replacement if that happens. On a 2003 Saturn Vue, the ball joint is directly mounted within the control arm. You do need to remove the control arm to remove the joint. While removing any ball joint is a difficult process, it is slightly less so on the Vue and doesn't require any special tools.

Instructions

Removal

1

Raise the vehicle's front end and support it on jack stands, then remove the corresponding wheel for the ball joint that needs replacing.

2

Pull the cotter pin out of the ball joint stud--you may need pliers. Loosen the nut by a few turns with a wrench, without removing the nut.

3

Hammer a picklefork-type ball joint wedge in between the joint and the steering knuckle to separate the two parts, then remove the ball joint's nut the rest of the way.

4

Unscrew and remove the two side-by-side bolts connecting the rear end of the control arm to the engine cradle, using your wrench. Remove the single bolt and nut at the front end and remove the control arm.

5

Drill the two ball joints out with a power drill and a 5/16-inch bit to create the first hole, followed by a 31/64-inch bit. Clean out all debris from the drilling and remove the joint.