OEM 2005 Dodge Dakota Ball Joint

2005 Dodge Dakota Ball Joint Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Service and Repair a Ball Joint on 2005 Dodge Dakota?

  A: Lower ball joint repairs and services require removing the tire and wheel assembly, then the brake caliper and rotor. After that, take out the outer tie rod retaining nut on the knuckle and separate the tie rod from the steering knuckle using tool C-3894-A. Remove the nut from the upper ball joint and then separate the ball joint from the knuckle using tool 8677. After that, remove the ball joint nut at the lower end and separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle using the tool 8677. With the steering knuckle off, pull the halfshaft to one side and use a support to hold it up on 4X4 seats. Remove the snap ring from the ball joint flange and make sure to use plenty of safe lubricant on the threaded tools so that they last. Use the tools C-4212-F (PRESS), 8445-3 (Driver) and 9604 to press the lower control arm ball joint. To install, press the ball joint into the control arm using the tools C-4212-F (press), 8441-4 (Receiver) and 9654-1 (Driver). Put the snap ring on the ball joint flange, remove the support for the halfshaft, then install it again if you have a 4X4. Mount the steering knuckle and then fit the tie rod end into the steering knuckle, using the retaining nut tightened to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.). If the area is ready, tighten the halfshaft nut to 251 Nm (185 ft. lbs.), switch in the brake caliper and rotor, after that, the tire and wheel assembly. In addition, review the vehicle's ride height and have the wheels aligned.