I think that the preferred method is to disconnect the lower ball joint. Can't tell for sure, but I assume that you have already removed the axle nut, right ? That is usually a PITA. Did you have any problem with that, and what did you use ?

Or, instead of the ball joint, most cars you can disconnect the lower strut bolts like you started to do, but mark the not bolt end orientation with a scribe if you want to avoid an alignment - one of the bolts is eccentric.

You can find many Youtube videos on this process. Not necessarily an Equinox, but for the most part most McPherson stut setups are the same.

Finally, it the CV Joint NOT part of the drivetrain warranty - probably not, but just checking. How much was the axle ?

 

yes axle nut was first thing off. i used a 36mm socket. I was thinking about the lower ball joint next. I paid $148 for the axle from rockauto. Thanks for the tips!

 

yes axle nut was first thing off. i used a 36mm socket. I was thinking about the lower ball joint next. I paid $148 for the axle from rockauto. Thanks for the tips!

Did you use an Impact Wrench or a long breaker bar ? Those are usually about 200 ft-lbs, and a bear to remove.

 

i used a cordless battery powered dewalt 1/2 inch impact. removed it with ease.

this video explains it perfectly! thanks again!

 

Don't expect your to go that easy ! Report back how it went, please. I need to do one on my Maxima. A bit too cold right now, and the boot is only torn, no clicking yet.

 

Knocked out the job yesterday. Took about an hour from start to finish. The hardest part was pushing the ball joint bolt down and out of the hole behind the rotor. Took all my strength. The clicking noise is gone now and ride is smooth again. Thanks for your input and help! Good luck with your maxima!

 

Okay I would just like to comment on the video shown as the example. Bungee cords are great.. the can be used to hold the entire break assembly and strut out of the way. Also the tool used to separate the ball joint is called a pickle fork. Anyone at home doing repair should have a set. Now one difference that may be on different models is how the cv shafts goes to the transmission. A catch pan may be needed in some cases. If the cv shaft goes into the trans there is a seal on the trans but some fluid may leak out.

Intergra.. glad you were able to do the repair yourself. For some it may be intimidating. But honestly it's not that bad of a job to do. And can save you some money also by doing it yourself. Chock wheels if in your driveway and always use jackstands. Yes the floor jack can be used for a better stability but I would not just rely on it alone

 

About the 1AAuto video... He was really rough on the brake hose. I take the caliper bolts out and hang the caliper on the strut spring with some wire to avoid damage to the hose. He was rough on the ABS sensor lead as well by the way he was pulling on everything. Not good. Usually you can remove a bolt from a bracket that holds the sensor lead to the fenderwell to give it some slack. A few minutes of extra work can save a lot of headaches that can be avoided.