Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection

Front Knuckle Ball Joint Inspection

NOTICE
When inspecting the ball joint, the vehicle will be shaken strongly. Make sure to support the front jacking bracket correctly with a suitable jack Service and Repair.

1. Raise and support the vehicle Service and Repair.

2. Check all bolts, nuts, and bushings on the suspension components, and make sure that there is no looseness, deterioration, or damage.

3. Measure the gap between the lower arm (A) and the knuckle (B) using the vernier caliper with a dial or digital gauge (C). Record the measured gap.






4. Position a jack stand (A) about 305 mm (12.01 in) away from the front wheel.





5. Place a wood block (B) on top of the jack stand and under the front wheel.

6. Have an assistant apply downward pressure on the wood block to raise the wheel (You only have to raise the weight of the wheel and knuckle assembly to fully extend the ball joint).

7. Measure the gap between the lower arm (A) and the knuckle (B) using the vernier caliper with a dial or digital gauge (C) while the ball joint is being extended. Record the measured gap.

NOTE: Measure the same point as step 3.






8. Compare gap measured in step 3 and step 7.





- If the difference is more than 0.2 mm (0.008 in), replace the knuckle ball joint Front Knuckle Ball Joint Replacement.
- If the difference is less than 0.2 mm (0.008 in), the knuckle ball joint is OK.