A diverter for a ball return of a ball screw configured for lifting in and lifting out balls from a ball channel between the spindle nut and the threaded spindle. The diverter is configured in one piece and has 3 functional units, specifically a positioning element, a deflection element having a spade-like lifting-out region and a diverting surface for balls out of or into the ball channel. All surfaces of the diverter that are provided for guidance of balls are configured as circumferentially open grooves (not closed in the manner of a tunnel). A method for assembling such a ball return includes providing two single-piece, structurally identical diverters; providing a pre-assembled module with a spindle nut and a threaded spindle, the spindle nut having two inwardly fitted apertures; inserting the diverters into the apertures; introducing balls; and securing the ball return by attaching a covering sleeve to the spindle nut.