I have a 1993 Maxima, with auto tranny and 3.0L V6I have some previous experience with car repairs. My question is how hard is it to replace the lower ball joints on my 93 Maxima, where can I find instructions, and what tools and parts (other than the replacement ball joints themselves) do I need. I took a look at the lower ball joint, it seems is if I have basically 4 bolts to remove, the one on top with the cotter pin, and the three on the bottom supporting the ball joint on the lower control arm, is that it ?, just removing these 4 bolts, removing the lower ball joint, and then following the reverse to install the replacement lower ball joint ?

 

basically that's it...you have to push/press/hammer/torch the ball joint out of the spindle. it doesn't just "fall out"

 

Thanks for the info

 

yup.
for instructions, autozone used to have online repair manuals that are good reference for stuff like this. I wouldn't use it to build an engine, but things like brake pads, ball joints, and basic suspension work are all stuff I would trust this with. (reason I say that is because I checked valve clearances on my wife's Honda a few weeks ago, and the numbers on their site were slightly off vs. the factory manual specs. They were in tolerance, but right at the tight end of the specs, which is where you start to burn valves...)

anyway, check autozone's website for online repair manuals and such. they used to have one for the 3 gen.

 

Go to harbor freight and purchase the ball joint separator tool http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-qua...tor-99849.html
you can use it for tie rods too. It's pretty good for $20 and I also used it to remove my wheel studs to replace them too

Here's the page from the FSM.