How to replace the lower arm ball head
Replacing the lower swing arm ball joint is an important part of vehicle suspension system maintenance, which directly affects driving safety and controllability. This article will introduce in detail the replacement steps, precautions and recent popular car maintenance topics to help car owners better complete this operation.
1. Recent popular car maintenance topics (last 10 days)

| Ranking | topic | heat index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New energy vehicle battery maintenance tips | 92,000 |
| 2 | Autonomous driving system troubleshooting | 78,000 |
| 3 | Tire replacement cycle guide | 65,000 |
| 4 | Brake system in-depth maintenance | 59,000 |
| 5 | Common faults in suspension systems | 53,000 |
2. Preparation of tool for replacement of lower swing arm ball head
| Tool name | Quantity | Instructions for use |
|---|---|---|
| Jack | 1 | Lift the vehicle |
| safety bracket | 2 | Fixed vehicle |
| Ball head separator | 1 set | Separate the old ball joint |
| Torque wrench | 1 handful | Fastening bolts |
| Open end wrench set | 1 set | Remove nuts |
3. Detailed explanation of replacement steps
1.Safety preparation: Park the vehicle on flat ground, tighten the handbrake, use a jack to lift the vehicle to a suitable height and place the safety bracket.
2.Remove tires: Use a tire wrench to loosen the tire nuts and completely remove the wheel for easier access.
3.positioning ball head: Find the connection point between the lower swing arm and the steering knuckle, and confirm the position of the ball head. Usually protected by a dust jacket.
4.Separate the old ball joint: Use a ball joint separator to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle, being careful not to damage the threads. If the rust is severe, loosening agent can be sprayed to assist.
5.Remove the fixing bolts: Remove the bolts fixing the ball head and lower swing arm. You may need to use a booster rod.
6.Install new ball head: Install the new ball head in its original position, tighten the fixing bolts by hand first, and ensure that the dust cover is intact.
7.Torque tightening: Use a torque wrench to tighten all bolts according to the torque value specified by the manufacturer (usually 80-120N·m).
8.reset test: Reinstall the tires, lower the vehicle and test the free travel of the steering wheel. It is recommended to perform four-wheel alignment.
4. Precautions
| Project | Things to note |
|---|---|
| Security protection | Wear goggles and gloves at all times |
| Bolt handling | It is recommended to replace old bolts to avoid thread slippage |
| Dust jacket inspection | Make sure there is no damage during installation |
| Lubrication | The new ball head needs to be coated with special grease |
| Testing requirements | After replacement, a road test is required to check for abnormal noise. |
5. Frequently Asked Questions
1.Q: Do I need to do a four-wheel alignment after replacement?
A: It is strongly recommended to perform four-wheel alignment because ball head replacement will affect the suspension geometric parameters.
2.Q: What are the signs of ball head damage?
A: Common symptoms include abnormal noise when crossing a pothole, increased steering wheel void, abnormal tire wear, etc.
3.Q: Can I just replace the ball head without replacing the assembly?
A: Depending on the model design, the ball head of some models can be replaced separately, and some require the lower swing arm to be replaced as a whole.
4.Q: How long does it take for inspection after replacement?
A: It is recommended to review the tightening status after driving 500 kilometers.
6. Maintenance cost reference
| Project | 4S store price | Repair shop price | DIY cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single side ball head replacement | 800-1200 yuan | 500-800 yuan | 200-400 yuan |
| Replacement of ball joints on both sides | 1500-2000 yuan | 900-1500 yuan | 400-700 yuan |
| Four wheel alignment | 300 yuan | 150-200 yuan | Requires professional equipment |
Through the above detailed guide, I believe you have mastered the key points of replacing the lower swing arm ball joint. It is recommended to consult the maintenance manual of the specific vehicle model before operation. If you encounter difficulties, you should seek professional help in time. Regular inspection of the suspension system is an important measure to ensure driving safety.
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