Diagnosis and Testing - Link/Coil

UPPER BALL JOINT

To properly diagnose the upper ball joint two readings from the dial indicator are necessary, The two readings must be added together to find a total ball joint movement as identified in the steps below.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.




2. Attach a dial indicator (3) with the indicator resting on either the front or back sides of the steering knuckle (4) as close to the upper ball joint (1) as possible.
3. Set the dial indicator(3) to zero.
4. Grab the tire by pushing in on the top of the tire and pulling out on the bottom of the tire. Record the reading on the dial indicator (3). This will be the first reading.
5. Set the dial indicator (3) back to zero.
6. Grab the tire by pulling in on the top of the tire and pushing out on the bottom of the tire. Record the reading on the dial indicator (3). This will be the second reading.
7. Add the two readings together for a total upper ball joint movement. If this reading is above 1.52 mm (0.060 in) then replacement of the upper ball joint is necessary Front Upper Ball Joint - Removal .