Genuine Nissan Pathfinder Ball Joint

Nissan Pathfinder Ball Joint Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Joint Assembly - Ball, Lower
  40160-0W025
  Q: How do I check and replace the balljoints on my Nissan Pathfinder?

  A: Begin by inspecting the Control Arm balljoints for looseness when separating them from the Steering Knuckle to check and replace the balljoints on your vehicle. If the ballstud can be turned in its socket, or is loose, replace the balljoint. To check upper balljoints in Frontier and Xterra models, raise the front of the vehicle and attempt to move the control arm up and down; any play indicates a need to replace upper control arm and balljoint as an assembly. Also, try moving the steering knuckle in and out; play here warrants replacement of upper control arm/balljoint assembly. See whether there are any fractures or rips in the boot covering the ball joint; if so, then replace it. When it comes to lower balljoints on these models, raise the front of the vehicle and attempt to move the steering knuckle up and down; any play indicates that you will need to replace both the control arm and its attached balljoint. Play similar to that observed when checking for upper balljoints should be looked for in this case; when pulling side-to-side on lower part of tire while feeling top of tire rubbing against fender, some too much play means warning signs of wearout of lower control arm-ball joint connection (mechanisms). Examine lower part of U-joint for damage, if necessary take off boot after separating lower part from spindle. For Pathfinder models visually inspect rubber dust boot for damage or deterioration as well as leaking grease. A damaged boot will require that you change out your whole joint (tire). Take a pry bar and place it between right side spindle mounting point and right side lower control arm-ball joint connection (mechanism) then try prying up/downward movement of suspension system from this location while another person pushes/pulls or turns wheel back/forth testing its motion quality relative other wheels; should not be too much clearance between parts. Also, have someone pull/push on tire in-and-out while you feel balljoint stud nut for looseness; presence of which will cause you to suspect a worn or enlarged hole in the spindle boss that may necessitate replacing the spindle and balljoint (rotating device). The procedure of replacement depends on the model. In the case of Frontier and Xterra models, the balljoints are part of the control arms, so you must replace the whole control arm. For replacement on Pathfinders, follow these steps: Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel. Remove the balljoint-to-control arm nuts and detach the balljoint from the control arm. If working on a 4WD model, remove the driveaxle. Take off cotter pin and loose but do not take out nut holding steering knuckle (or spindle) joint together then use 2 pronged pulling tool to knock apart this connection between these two parts by placing under one side while pushing down at other end; once separated remove this nut as well as joint from fender itself (suspension system). Remove retaining nut and separate lower joint from spindle. It is installation as reverse of removal ensuring proper torque values for all fasteners, checking alignment after tightening ball stud nut with fresh cotter pin when finished because it's an important aspect of dealing with this kind of things before driving away safely again; make sure front wheels are aligned properly which requires professional attention if not done correctly)!!! Finally put back on your tires along side secure them tightly using a wrench then test to ensure they fit snugly onto their respective bolts or studs before driving off into sunset where car may become accident prone territory due misalignment causing uneven tire wear leading blowout eventually costing more than just new rubber!