Genuine Nissan 240SX Ball Joint

Nissan 240SX Ball Joint Parts Questions & Answers

• Ball Joint Assembly-HICAS
  55154-39F00
  Q: How do you inspect and replace a ball joint on Nissan 240sx?

  A: To inspect the ball joint, safely raise and support the vehicle, then clamp a dial indicator to the transverse link, placing the tip on the lower edge of the brake caliper before zeroing the indicator. Ensure the front wheels are straight and the brake pedal is fully depressed. Insert a long prybar between the transverse link and the inner rim of the wheel, push down and release the prybar, and observe the dial indicator reading for deflection. Take several readings, using the maximum deflection as the ball joint vertical end play, resetting the indicator after each reading. If the reading is not within specifications, replace the transverse link or ball joint, with specifications being 0 in. for 200SX and 240SX, 0.004-0.039 in. for Stanza 1982-89, 0 in. for Stanza 1990-92, and 0.098 in. or less for Stanza Wagon. For a visual approximation, raise the vehicle until the wheel is clear of the ground, ensuring the jack is not under the ball joint. Use a long prybar under the tire to move the wheel up and down while keeping one hand on top; if ¼ in. or more of play exists at the top of the tire, the ball joint should be replaced, ensuring Wheel Bearings are properly adjusted. For removal and installation on rear-wheel drive, if there is a plugged hole for a grease fitting, install one and grease the ball joint every 15,000 miles or 1 year. Remove the front wheels, separate the knuckle arm from the tie rod and strut, remove the stabilizer bar and tension rod, then remove the transverse link and knuckle arm before pressing out the ball joint. Replace the transverse link/ball joint assembly, with installation being the reverse of removal, ensuring final tightening is done under unladen conditions with tires on the ground. For front-wheel drive, raise and support the vehicle, remove the front wheel, and the wheel bearing locknut, then separate the Tie Rod End ball joint from the Steering Knuckle, being careful with the dust cover if reusing the ball joint. Loosen the strut retaining upper nuts without removing them, remove the nut attaching the ball joint to the transverse link, lightly tap the halfshaft to separate it from the knuckle, and use the proper tool to separate the ball joint from the knuckle. Installation follows the reverse of removal, always replacing retaining bolts and cotter pins after disassembly.