Suspension - Ball Joint Wear Check & Specifications
91chevy24
GMC NUMBER: 92-3B-03
GROUP: 3B Steering
DATE: August, 1991
CORPORATE NUMBER: 163203
SUBJECT: C/K TRUCK BALL JOINT WEAR CHECK
MODELS: 1988-1992 C/K TRUCKS
When conducting a routine front suspension check, the following is the correct procedure for determining ball joint wear.
SERVICE PROCEDURE:
Raising the vehicle and moving the front wheel and tire assemblies back and forth or in and out is NOT an acceptable method of checking ball joint wear.
Figure 1:
C and K Model Lower:
^ Be sure the vehicle rests on a level surface.
^ Raise and support front of vehicle with suitable safety stands. Support the lower control arm with a floor stand or jack as far outboard as possible (Figure 1).
^ The vehicle must be stable and should not rock on the floor stands.
^ If the vehicle is equipped with aluminum wheels, it may be necessary to first remove the wheel.
Figure 2:
Figure 3:
To check the ball joints for vertical looseness:
^ With the vehicle on the jack stands, place dial indicator against the spindle to show vertical movement (Figures 2 and 3).
Figure 3:
Figure 4:
^ Pry between the lower control arm and the outer race on K models or between the lower control arm and steering knuckle on C models while reading the dial indicator. This will show vertical looseness in the ball joint (Figures 3 and 4).
^ If the dial indicator reading is more than 1 mm (0.040 inch) for a maintenance free ball joint or 2 mm (0.080 inch) for a greaseable ball joint, replace the ball joint.
NOTE: Do not pry between the lower control arm and the drive axle seal or in such a manner that the ball joint seal is contacted. Damage to the seal will result.
Figure 1:
C and K Model Upper:
^ Be sure the vehicle rests on a level surface.
^ Raise and support front of vehicle with suitable safety stands. Support the lower control arm with a floor stand or jack as far outboard as possible (Figure 1).
^ The vehicle must be stable and should not rock on the floor stands.
^ If the vehicle is equipped with aluminum wheels, it may be necessary to first remove the wheel.
Figure 5:
Figure 6:
To check the ball joints for vertical looseness:
^ With front of vehicle supported, position dial indicator with magnetic base on frame and measurement needle on top of the upper ball joint or control arm (Figures 5 and 6).
^ With a pry bar, pry between the upper control arm and steering knuckle while observing the dial indicator (Figures 5 and 6). If the reading is more than 1 mm (0.040 inch) for a maintenance free ball joint or 2 mm (0.080 inch) for a greaseable ball joint, replace the ball joint.
NOTE: Do not pry in such a manner that the ball joint seal is contacted. Damage to the seal may result.
BALL JOINT WEAR SPECIFICATIONS
Type Wear Specification
Maintenance Free 1 mm (0.040 inch) vertical
Ball Joint movement
Greaseable Ball 2 mm (0.080 inch) vertical
Joint movement