This procedure covers removal and replacement of the upper ball joint on 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla models. The upper ball joint is integrated into the upper control arm on this platform and requires control arm replacement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper control arm assembly (includes ball joint) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 1 — 2mm x 20mm
• Pinch bolt (if reusing existing) × 1 — Replace if damaged or per OEM recommendation

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
4. Remove wheel and tire assembly
5. Spray penetrating oil on ball joint nut, control arm bolts, and pinch bolt if equipped (allow to soak 10-15 minutes)

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper control arm
   Open hood and locate the three strut tower nuts at the top of the strut assembly. These nuts secure the strut to the chassis and may need to be loosened for access depending on replacement method. Note their position but do not remove unless you plan to drop the entire strut assembly.
2. 2

   Remove cotter pin and ball joint nut
   Locate the upper ball joint where it connects to the steering knuckle. Use pliers or cotter pin tool to straighten and remove the cotter pin from the ball joint castle nut. Discard the old cotter pin. Using a 17mm socket, remove the ball joint castle nut. Keep nut if reusing or discard if new nut provided with control arm.
3. 3

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Position ball joint separator tool between the upper control arm and steering knuckle at the ball joint taper. Tighten the separator tool to apply pressure, then tap the knuckle boss with a hammer to shock the taper loose. Alternatively, use a pickle fork and hammer. Do not strike the ball joint stud directly. Once separated, support the knuckle to prevent strain on brake hose and ABS sensor wire.
   ⚠Ball joint will separate suddenly under pressure. Keep hands and body clear of pinch points.
4. 4

   Disconnect ABS sensor and brake hose if necessary
   If ABS sensor wire or brake hose brackets attach to the upper control arm, carefully disconnect or unbolt them. Note routing for reinstallation. Do not bend or kink the brake hose. If brake hose has adequate slack, disconnection may not be necessary.
5. 5

   Remove control arm mounting bolts
   Locate the two control arm mounting bolts that secure the upper control arm to the chassis/subframe. These bolts pass through bushings at the front and rear of the control arm. Using a 17mm socket and wrench, remove both control arm mounting bolts. Support the control arm as you remove the second bolt. Note the orientation and any alignment shims or washers for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove upper control arm
   Once all fasteners are removed, carefully extract the upper control arm assembly from the vehicle. Maneuver it out through the wheel well area. Inspect the mounting points on the chassis for damage, corrosion, or worn bushings in the frame mounts.
7. 7

   Prepare new control arm
   Remove new upper control arm from packaging. Verify it matches the old arm in configuration and mounting points. Transfer any necessary brackets, shims, or hardware if not included with new arm. Clean mounting surfaces on chassis with wire brush to ensure proper torque and alignment.
8. 8

   Install new control arm
   Position the new upper control arm into the chassis mounting location. Insert both control arm mounting bolts through the bushings and chassis mounts, threading them by hand. Do not fully tighten at this time - leave bolts finger tight. Ensure any alignment shims or washers are positioned correctly as noted during removal.
9. 9

   Connect ball joint to knuckle
   Align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. You may need to use a pry bar or jack to position the knuckle at the correct height. Push the stud through the knuckle taper until it seats fully. Install the ball joint castle nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
   ℹ️After torquing to specification, the castle nut slots must align with the cotter pin hole. If not aligned, tighten further (never loosen) up to the next slot alignment, not to exceed 97 Nm.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new cotter pin
    Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud hole. Bend the ends of the cotter pin around the nut to secure it - one end should wrap around the back and the other can be bent over the top or trimmed. Ensure the cotter pin is secure and cannot work loose.
11. 11

    Reconnect ABS and brake components
    Reattach any ABS sensor wire brackets or brake hose brackets to the control arm or knuckle area. Ensure proper routing without tension or interference with suspension travel. Verify brake hose has adequate slack through full steering and suspension range.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel and tire assembly back onto the hub. Thread lug nuts by hand, then snug them in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but most weight is still on jack stands. This allows suspension to settle to ride height for final torque of control arm bolts.
13. 13

    Torque control arm bolts at ride height
    With vehicle weight now on the suspension but still supported by jack stands, torque both upper control arm mounting bolts to specification using a torque wrench. This is critical - control arm bushings must be torqued at normal ride height to prevent premature bushing failure. The suspension should be in its normal loaded position, not hanging free.
    ⚠Control arm bolts MUST be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension. Torquing with suspension hanging will cause premature bushing failure and binding.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final wheel installation
    Fully lower the vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench. Double-check that all fasteners have been properly tightened and that no tools or parts have been left in the wheel well.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all suspension components move freely through full range of motion
2. Check that brake hose and ABS sensor wire have adequate clearance and are not rubbing or stretched
3. Inspect cotter pin installation to ensure it is properly secured
4. Confirm all torque specifications were achieved at proper ride height for control arm bolts

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no unusual noises from suspension
• Check for proper steering response and verify vehicle tracks straight
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Have wheel alignment checked and adjusted as installation of new control arm will affect camber and caster settings
• Visually inspect ball joint area after test drive for any looseness or movement

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