Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection

BALL JOINT INSPECTION

1. Prior to inspecting the ball joints for wear, inspect the wheel bearings. See Testing and Inspection.

2.
NOTE:In order to obtain an accurate measurement, the suspension must be in full rebound with the weight of the vehicle supported by the frame.Raise and support the vehicle by the frame or by the axle beams to allow the wheels to hang in the rebound position. See Lifting.

3. Inspect the ball joint and ball joint boot for damage.

- If the ball joint or ball joint boot is damaged, install a new ball joint. See Service and Repair or Service and Repair.

NOTE:Carry out Steps 4-6 to inspect the lower ball joint. Carry out Steps 7-9 to inspect the upper ball joint.
4.

CAUTION:Do not use any tools or equipment to move the wheel and tire assembly or suspension components while checking for relative movement. Suspension damage may occur. The use of tools or equipment will also create relative movement that may not exist when using hand force. Relative movement must be measured using hand force only.Inspect the ball joint for relative movement by alternately pulling downward and pushing upward on the wheel and tire assembly by hand. Note any relative movement between the wheel knuckle and lower arm at the lower ball joint.

- If relative movement is not felt or seen, the ball joint is OK. Do not install a new ball joint.
- If relative movement is found, continue with Step 5.

5.
NOTE:In order to obtain an accurate measurement, the dial indicator should be aligned as close as possible with the vertical axis (center line) of the ball joint.To measure ball joint deflection, attach a suitable dial indicator with a flexible arm between the lower arm and the wheel knuckle or ball joint stud.






6. Measure the ball joint deflection while an assistant pushes up and pulls down on the wheel and tire assembly, by hand.

- If the deflection exceeds the specification, a new lower ball joint must be installed. See Service and Repair or Service and Repair.
- If the deflection meets the specification, continue with the procedure.

7.

CAUTION:Do not use any tools or equipment to move the wheel and tire assembly or suspension components while checking for relative movement. Suspension damage may occur. The use of tools or equipment will also create relative movement that may not exist when using hand force. Relative movement must be measured using hand force only.Inspect the ball joint for relative movement by alternately pulling downward and pushing upward on the upper arm by hand. Note any relative movement between the wheel knuckle and upper arm at the upper ball joint.

- If relative movement is not felt or seen, the ball joint is OK. Do not install a new ball joint.
- If relative movement is found, continue with Step 8.

8.
NOTE:In order to obtain an accurate measurement, the dial indicator should be aligned as close as possible with the center line of the ball joint.To measure ball joint deflection, attach a suitable dial indicator with a flexible arm between the upper arm and the wheel knuckle or ball joint stud.






9. Measure the ball joint deflection while an assistant pushes upward and then pulls down on the upper arm, by hand.

- If the deflection exceeds the specification, a new upper ball joint must be installed. See Upper Arm [Front Suspension].
- If the deflection meets the specification, no further action is required.