Component Tests and General Diagnostics
Ball Joint Inspection1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Prior to carrying out any inspection of the ball joints, inspect the front wheel bearings.
3. Position a safety stand beneath the front suspension lower arm to be tested.
4. While an assistant pulls and pushes the bottom of the tire, observe the relative movement between the lower spindle arm and the front suspension lower arm ball joint. Any movement at or exceeding the specification indicates a worn or damaged lower ball joint. Install a new ball joint as necessary.
5. While an assistant pulls and pushes the top of the tire, observe the relative movement between the upper spindle arm and the front suspension upper ball joint. Movement at or exceeding the specification indicates a worn or damaged upper ball joint or loose pinch bolt joint. Tighten pinch bolt and nut as necessary. Install a new upper ball joint as necessary.