How do you remove and install ball joints on a 2002 firebird

Douglas, 90 lb-ft is ball joint nut torque.
Check the attached links,instruction and guides, Good luck
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How To Install Upper Control Arm and Ball Joint 2002 05 Ford Explorer...

Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement Removal Procedure Tools Required J 43828 Ball Joint Separator

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
4. Remove the wiring harness from the lower control arm.




5. Remove the cotter pin (1) from the ball joint (3).
6. Remove the nut (4) from the ball joint (3).



Notice: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use the recommended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.

7. Remove the ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J 43828 .




8. Remove the lower control arm front (1) and rear (4) mounting bolts.
9. Remove the lower control arm (1) from the vehicle and place in a vice.
10. Drill out the 3 rivets (3) retaining the ball joint to the lower control arm (2).
Use a 3 mm (1/8 in) drill bit in order to make a pilot hole through the rivets.
Finish drilling the rivets with a 13 mm (½ in) drill bit.

11. Remove the ball joint (4) from the control arm (2).

Installation Procedure

1. Install the ball joint (4) into the control arm (2).
2. Install the 3 ball joint bolts (3) and the nuts (1). Follow the instructions in the ball joint kit. Tighten the ball joint bolts (3) according to the specifications in the instructions.




3. Install the lower control arm (2) to the front suspension support (1)
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

4. Install the lower control arm front (5) and rear (4) mounting bolts.
Tighten • Tighten the front bolt to 107 N·m (79 lb ft). • Tighten the rear bolt to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).



5. Install the lower ball joint stud (3) to the steering knuckle (2).
6. Install the ball joint stud (3) through the steering knuckle (2).
7. Install the ball joint nut (4).
Tighten
Tighten the ball joint nut to 55 N·m (41 lb ft) plus 180 degree rotation minimum-65 N·m (50 lb ft) plus 180 degree rotation maximum to install the cotter pin.

8. Install the wiring harness to the lower control arm.
9. Install the cotter pin (1).
10. Install the stabilizer link to the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
11. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
12. Inspect the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.

Wheel Spindle, F-150, F-250, F-350
Removal

1. Raise the front of the vehicle and install safety stands.
   

1. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. Refer to Section 04-04 .
   

1. Remove the disc brake caliper (2B120) from the rotor and wire it out of the way. Refer to Section 06-03 .
   

1. Remove the dust cap, cotter pin, nut retainer, nut, washer and front wheel bearing (1216).
   

1. Remove the rotor from the front wheel spindle (3105).
   
   
   
   
   
   Item Part Number Description 1 606085 Clamp Bolt 2 3B404 Camber Adjuster 3 800895 Nut 4 800937 Nut 5 3049 Front Suspension Upper Ball Joint 6 3050 Front Suspension Lower Arm Ball Joint 7 3105 Front Wheel Spindle 8 642569 Cotter Pin 9 3304 Steering Sector Shaft Arm Drag Link 10 383489 Nut 11 3001 Front Axle Assembly 12 388727 Bolt A - Tighten to 77-103 Nm
   (57-75 Lb-Ft) B - Tighten to 68-92 Nm
   (50-67 Lb-Ft) C - Tighten to 113-153 Nm (83-112 Lb-Ft) D - Tighten to 340-460 Nm (250-339 Lb-Ft)

1. Remove bearing cone and roller (1201) and wheel hub grease seal (1190). Discard the seal.
   

1. Remove front disc brake rotor shield (2K004). Refer to Section 06-03 .
   

1. Disconnect the steering linkage from the integral front wheel spindle and spindle arm by removing the cotter pin and nut and then removing the front wheel spindle tie rod from the spindle arm with Tie Rod End Remover TOOL-3290-D or equivalent.
   

1. Remove the cotter pin and castellated nut from the lower ball joint stud.
   

1. Remove the nut from the axle clamp bolt and remove the bolt from the axle.
   

1. Remove the camber adjuster from the upper ball joint stud and axle beam. If required, use Ball Joint Removing Tool D81T-3010-B or equivalent to remove adjuster.
   

1. CAUTION: Do not use a pickle fork to separate the ball joint from the axle as this will damage the seal and the ball joint socket.
   Strike the inside area of the axle as shown to pop lower ball joints loose from the axle beam.
   

1. Remove the front wheel spindle and ball joint from the axle.
   
   

Ball Joint, F-150, F-250, F-350 SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL(S) REQUIRED Description Tool Number U-Joint Tool T74P-4635-C Ball Joint Remover T94T-3010-AH
Removal

1. Remove the front wheel spindle (3105) and ball joint assembly from the axle. Refer to Wheel Spindle, F-150, F-250, F-350 in the Removal and Installation portion of this section.
   

1. NOTE: Lower ball joint must be removed first.
   
   Install the front wheel spindle in a vise and remove the snap ring from the lower ball joint.
   

1. Remove the lower ball joint from the front wheel spindle using U-Joint Tool T74P-4635-C and Receiver Cup D81T-3010-A5 or equivalent for F-150. Use Ball Joint Remover T94T-3010-AH for F-250 and F-350.
   

1. Turn the forcing screw clockwise until the ball joint is removed from the front wheel spindle.
   
2. CAUTION: Do not heat the ball joint or the front wheel spindle to aid in removal.
   Assemble U-joint tool and cup on the upper ball joint, and turn forcing screw clockwise until ball joint is removed from the front wheel spindle.
   
   
   Installation
   
   1. CAUTION: Do not heat the ball joint or axle to aid in installation.
      NOTE: Upper ball joint must be installed into the front wheel spindle first.
      
      NOTE: Individual ball joint tools are included in Ball Joint Adapter Set D81T-3010-A or equivalent.
      
      To install the upper ball joint, assemble C-frame assembly, Ball Joint Receiver Cup D81T-3010-A5 and Installation Cup D81T-3010-A1 and D81T-3010-A3 or equivalents inside cup D81T-3010-A4 or equivalent in position on the front wheel spindle.
      
   1. Turn forcing screw clockwise until ball joint is seated.
      
      
      
      
   

I have a 2002 Escape. The front lower ball joint is integrated into the lower control arm. You will need to replace the control arm. The good news is that the control arm is fairly inexpensive $30-50(?). I found the dealer had the lowest cost (weird).

You have to safety lift the car and get the tire off the ground.
Remove the tire/wheel, to get some room and light.
You need to remove the the ball joint connection first.... it's usually the hardest.
Remove the cross bolt and nut from the ball joint at the knuckle.
You may need to spread the "split" a little with a big chisel and hammer.
The ball joint stud needs to slide out of the knuckle.
Remove the other two connections to the "frame".
Here's a picture outside the car:

It depends on exactly which ball joint of the 3 per side your changing, but here are the details.

COMPRESSION LOWER ARM & LATERAL LOWER ARM ASSEMBLIES
Removal
1. Loosen compression lower arm ball joint nut. Using steering linkage puller, separate ball joint and
knuckle. Remove nut, bolts and compression lower arm assembly. Remove dust cover.
2. Remove stay. Remove shock absorber lower mounting bolt. Loosen lateral lower arm ball
joint and knuckle nut. Using steering linkage puller, separate ball joint and knuckle. Remove nut, bolt and
lateral lower arm assembly. Remove dust cover.
Inspection
Using preload socket, ensure breakaway torque for compression lower arm ball joint is 4-22 INCH lbs. (0.5-2.5
N.m) for 2000 models. On 2001 models, breakaway torque is 22-54 INCH lbs. (2.5-6.1 N.m). Ensure
breakaway torque for compression lateral lower arm ball joint is 13 INCH lbs. (1.5 N.m). Check compression
lower arm, lateral lower arm, dust covers, and bushings for damage and wear.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Use NEW ball joint nuts. Lubricate lip and inside of dust cover with
multipurpose lubricant. Using installer, install dust cover. Check front wheel alignment.
UPPER ARM ASSEMBLY
Removal
Using steering linkage puller, loosen upper arm ball joint and knuckle nut. Remove self-locking nut. Remove upper arm and upper arm shaft assembly. Remove dust cover.
Inspection
Using preload socket, ensure breakaway torque for upper arm ball joint is 3-13 INCH lbs. (0.3-1.5 N.m).
Replace upper arm assembly when measured value exceeds specification. Check upper arm, dust cover, and
bushings for damage and wear.
Installation
1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Use NEW self-locking nuts. Lubricate lip and inside of dust cover
with multipurpose lubricant. Using Ball Joint Installer (MB990800), install dust cover.
2. Ensure upper arm shaft assembly is installed at indicated angle. Verify upper arm shaft
assembly installation. Check front wheel alignment.

Once you have the correct arm off and a replacement joint (if available, some are not serviceable and require the arm to be replaced) then you will need a press or a ball joint press to change the joint. Such as
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38335

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46389

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=66958

or http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46967

Removal & Installation NOTE This procedure requires the use of the following special tools: J 9519-E Lower Ball Joint Remover and Installer, J 34874 Booster Seal Remover/Installer, J 41435 Ball Joint Installer, J 45105-1 Ball Joint Flaring Adapter and J 45105-2 Receiver.

1. On 4WD vehicles, remove the wheel center cap and drive axle nut.
   
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
   
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   • Tire and wheel
     
   • Wheel hub and bearing, if necessary
     
   • Outer tie rod retaining nut
     
   • Out tie rod from the steering knuckle using a suitable puller
     
   • Brake hose bracket retaining bolts and bracket
     
   • Upper control arm-to-steering knuckle pinch bolt and nut
     
   • Upper control arm from the steering knuckle
     
   • Lower ball joint retaining nut
     
   • Steering knuckle from the lower control arm using a suitable ball joint removal tool
     
   • Steering knuckle from the vehicle
     
   • Lower ball joint flange with a chisel
     
4. Install tools J 9519-E and J 34874 to the lower ball joint, then use those tools to remove the lower ball joint from the lower control arm.
   

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   • Lower ball joint to the lower control arm, using tools J 9519-E, J 41435 and J 45105-2
     
2. Remove the tools from the lower control arm.
   
   • Tools J 9519-E and J 45105-1 to the lower ball joint
     
3. Flare the lower ball joint flange with J 9519-E and J 45105-1, then remove the tools from the lower ball joint.
   
   • Steering knuckle to the lower control arm
     
   • Lower ball joint retaining nut and tighten to 81 ft. lbs. (110 Nm)
     
   • Upper control arm to the steering knuckle
     
   • Upper control arm pinch bolt and nut and tighten to 30 ft. lbs. (41 Nm)
     
   • Brake hose bracket to the steering knuckle
     
   • Brake hose bracket retaining nuts and tighten to 7 ft. lbs. (10 Nm)
     
   • Outer tie rod to the steering knuckle
     
   • Outer tie rod retaining nut and tighten to 33 ft. lbs. (45 Nm)
     
   • Wheel hub and bearing, if removed
     
   • Tire and wheel
     
4. Lower the vehicle
   
   • Drive axle nut, if 4WD, and tighten to 103 ft. lbs. (140 Nm)
     
   • Wheel center cap, if removed
     
5. Check the front wheel alignment.
   

The upper ball joints are replaceable without replacing the control arms. Use Moog K80008 ball joints and a ball joint press.

I had a question i bought a used control arm for a 2001 honda civic compared it to the original and everything was the same except the part where the ball joint goes into is a few mm thicker on the control arm. Beedless to say i got it in but i had to over tighten to get the nut in all the way. I thought this would stop the rattling sound when i hit a pothole bit its still doing it and i fear the control arm is the incorrect one what other honda has the same control arm as the civic?

1. Remove the steering knuckle with wheel hub and bearing attached.
2. Remove the lower ball joint flange with a chisel.
3. Install J9519-E and J34874 to the lower ball joint.
4. Remove the lower ball joint from the lower control arm using J9519-E and J34874

1. Install the lower ball joint and J9519-E, J41435, and J45105-2 to the lower control arm.
2. Install the lower ball joint to the lower control arm using J9519-E, J41435, and J45105-2.
3. Remove J9519-E, J41435, and J45105-2 from the lower control arm
1. Install J9519-E and J45105-1 to the lower ball joint.
2. Flare the lower ball joint flange using J9519-E and J45105-1.
3. Remove J9519-E and J45105-1 from the lower ball joint.
4. Install the steering knuckle with wheel hub and bearing attached. Install the tire and wheel.
1. Lower the vehicle.
2. Check the front wheel alignment.

these jouints are pressed in and there is a flange that is flared this is what the tool numbers refer too.

The dealer's answer (if you are interested).......

The ball joint is pressed into the upper control arm and has a tapered stud for attachment to the steering knuckle. The ball joint stud is attached and locked into the steering knuckle using a special nut. The ball joint is a sealed-for-life type and requires no maintenance. If the ball joint is defective it will require replacement of the entire upper control arm.

Sorry.