2026-02-26

Ball Joint - Rear - Upper - Rear Knuckle - LH (Remove and Replace)

Correction code 31031812 0.48 NOTE: Unless otherwise explicitly stated in the procedure, the correction code and FRT listed above reflect all of the work required to perform this procedure, including the linked procedures. Do not stack correction codes unless explicitly told to do so. NOTE: See Flat Rate Times to learn more about FRTs and how they are created. NOTE: See Personal Protection to make sure you are wearing proper PPE when performing the procedure below. NOTE: See Ergonomic Precautions for safe and healthy working practices.

  • 2026-02-26: Updated the procedure and images.
  • 2025-12-9: Added information for updated tools.
  • 2025-10-09: Added caution for tool usage.
  • 2025-08-13: Added part numbers for required chemicals.
  • 2025-06-04: Added references to sub-procedures.
  • 2025-02-20: Added note for region specific Loctite.
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CAUTION
This procedure requires the availability of 1044454-00-B (RR SUS CABJ) and 2130203-00-B CABJ Bushings R&R Tool Kit M3/MY. If any of these parts is unavailable, replace the entire knuckle. Refer to Knuckle - Suspension - Rear - LH (Remove and Replace).
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Note
If revision 2130203-00-B of the CABJ Bushings R&R Tool Kit M3/MY is not available yet, follow the separate instructions for revision 2130203-00-A.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Do not use an impact tool or other power tool on the ball joint replacement tool. To prevent damage to the ball joint replacement tool, only use hand tools.
Equipment:
  • 1044454-00-B - RR SUS CABJ
  • 2130203-00-B - CABJ Bushings R&R Tool Kit M3/MY
  • 1025334-00-A - Loctite 680 (North America)
  • 2164041-00-A - Loctite 638 (EMEA)

Remove

  1. Remove the LH rear wheel. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install)
  2. Inspect the Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint for red markings.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    The Knuckle Ball Joint is a 1 time replaceable part. If the red markings are present on opposite sides (180 degrees), the Knuckle Ball Joint has been replaced before and the entire knuckle assembly must be replaced. See Knuckle - Suspension - Rear - LH (Remove and Replace).
  3. Release the rear upper aft link from the knuckle.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    1x bolt, 1x nut, 21mm, 134 Nm
  4. Remove 1 nut from the threaded rod of the knuckle ball joint replacement tool, and then remove the bearing.
  5. Use the vehicle specific combination of cups for removal: B (pusher) and M3 (receiver), and then install the nut on the M3 (receiver) cup.
  6. Install the B (pusher) cup onto the nut and bearing on the threaded rod of the knuckle ball joint replacement tool, and then insert the tool into the ball joint towards the rear of the vehicle.
  7. Install the M3 (receiver) cup onto the threaded rod of the knuckle ball joint replacement tool, and then hand tighten the nuts to align the triangles on both cups with the cast marking on the knuckle.
  8. Tighten the nut on the side of the B (pusher) cup to press out the knuckle ball joint
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Hold the threaded rod firmly with your hand to prevent it from spinning, as this could damage the caliper connector.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    The ball joint should press out into the M3 (receiver) cup with minimal resistance. If met with high resistance, ensure the cups are properly aligned. Use the opening in the receiver cup to monitor the progress.
  9. Loosen the nut from the M3 (receiver) cup, and then remove the cup and the ball joint from the knuckle.

Install

  1. Put on protective gloves.
  2. Clean the inner surface area of the knuckle where the ball joint is installed, and then allow 1 minute to dry.
  3. Degrease and clean the contact area of the new ball joint, and then allow 1 minute to dry.
  4. Apply Loctite on the new ball joint.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use the region specific Loctite. For EMEA: Loctite 638. For North America: Loctite 680
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Take care not to apply Loctite on the rubber seals
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Allow 30 minutes curing time for Loctite. Continue this procedure, but do not drive the vehicle during the 30 minute curing time.
  5. Position the new ball joint onto the rear side of the knuckle.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Make sure the ball joint is positioned concentric to the bore. The ball joint has only 1 installation orientation.
  6. Install the M3 LH or M3 RH cup onto the nut and bearing on the threaded rod of the knuckle ball joint replacement tool, and then insert the tool into the ball joint towards the rear of the vehicle.
  7. Install the B cup onto the threaded rod of the knuckle ball joint replacement tool, and then hand tighten the nuts to align the triangles on both cups with the cast marking on the knuckle.
  8. Tighten the nut on the side of the M3 LH or M3 RH cup to press the knuckle ball joint into the knuckle.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Hold the threaded rod firmly with your hand to prevent it from spinning, as this could damage the caliper connector.
  9. Loosen the nut on the B (pusher) cup, and then remove the knuckle ball joint replacement tool from the knuckle.
  10. Clean any excessive Loctite from the knuckle, and then allow 1 minute to dry.
  11. Mark the new ball joint with a red paint pen.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Markings must be on opposite sides (180 degrees).
  12. Position the rear upper aft link to the knuckle, and then torque the nut and bolt that secures the rear upper aft link to the knuckle.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    1x bolt, 1x nut, 21mm, 134 Nm.
  13. Install the LH rear wheel. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install)
  14. Refer to the Alignment Requirement tables to determine whether an EPAS alignment check (EC) or four wheel alignment check (AC) is necessary. If performed, add the alignment check/adjust correction code as a separate activity to the SV. See Alignment Requirement - Suspension.

Revision 2130203-00-A

Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
Perform the steps below if revision 2130203-00-B of the CABJ Bushings R&R Tool Kit M3/MY is not available.
  1. Remove the Rear Upper Knuckle Ball joint using revision 2130203-00-A:
    1. Install knuckle ball joint replacement tool on LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint for removal
      Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
      Note
      Utilize the combination of cups for removal, A - Bushings Receiver, B - Bushings Pusher, C - Remove Washer M3, Ensure cups sit flush to ball joint and knuckle surface, A to C has a key, Install A with recess to corner of the knuckle, Ball joint will only press out towards rear of vehicle, Apply lubricant to threaded rod if dry
    2. Press out LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint
      Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
      CAUTION
      Do not use an impact tool or other power tool on the ball joint replacement tool. To prevent damage to the ball joint replacement tool, only use hand tools.
      Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
      Note
      Ball joint should press out with minimal resistance, If met with high resistance inspect for misalignment of tool cups, Utilize windows in receiving cup to monitor progress
    3. Remove Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint from knuckle ball joint replacement tool
  2. Proceed with the Installation steps as described above. See Install.
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    Note
    Return to this section when instructed to use the knuckle ball joint replacement tool.
  3. Install the Rear Upper Knuckle Ball joint using revision 2130203-00-A.
    1. Install knuckle ball joint replacement tool on LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint for Install
      Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
      Note
      Utilize the combination of cups for Install, A - Bushings Receiver, B - Bushings Pusher, D - Install Washer M3 Ensure cups sit flush to ball joint and knuckle surface, A to D has a key, Install A with the recess aligned with the top line of the knuckle
    2. Press LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint in
      Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
      CAUTION
      Do not use an impact tool or other power tool on the ball joint replacement tool. To prevent damage to the ball joint replacement tool, only use hand tools.
      Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
      Note
      Ball joint could be pressed in with some resistance, If met with extreme high resistance inspect for misalignment of tool cups, Utilize notch in installation cup to monitor progress, When nearing end of bore the installation cup may need to be re-aligned to meet machined surface, Verify full installation
    3. Remove knuckle ball joint replacement tool from LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint
  4. Go to step 10 of the original installation procedure.