Lexus 43340-39545 Front Lower Ball Joint Assembly, Left

Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel. Note: If you're going to remove the ball joint using a puller, loosen the drive axle/hub nut before raising the vehicle. Remove the cotter pin from the ball joint stud and loosen the nut. Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle with a picklefork-type ball joint separator. Lubricate the rubber boot with grease and work carefully so as not to tear the boot. Remove the ball joint stud nut. Remove the bolt and nuts securing the ball joint to the control arm. Separate the ball joint from the control arm with a prybar. To install the ball joint, position it on the steering knuckle and install the nut, but don't tighten it yet. Attach the ball joint to the control arm and install the bolt and nuts, tightening them to the torque. Tighten the ball joint stud nut to the torque and install a new cotter pin. If the cotter pin hole doesn't line up with the slots on the nut, tighten the nut additionally until it does line up. Install the wheel and lug nuts. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque. Separate the control arm from the ball joint. Pull the outer end of the drive axle from the steering knuckle and suspend the drive axle with a piece of wire. Remove the cotter pin from the ball joint stud and loosen the nut. Install a small puller and pop the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle. Remove the nut and remove the ball joint. Install the new ball joint into the steering knuckle and tighten the nut to the torque. Install a new cotter pin. If the cotter pin hole doesn't line up with the slots on the nut, tighten the nut until it does. Insert the outer end of the drive axle through the steering knuckle and install the nut. Tighten it securely, but don't attempt to tighten it completely yet. Connect the ball joint to the lower arm and tighten the fasteners to the torque. Install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts to the torque. Tighten the drive axle/hub nut to the torque. Install the lock washer and cotter pin.