Ball Joint: Service and Repair

To check ball joint, position suspension arm in a suitable vise and proceed as follows:

Fig. 7 Checking ball joint for wear. 1983-87 626:

1. On 1984-87 626 models, install tool No. 490180510B to ball joint stud and attach a suitable spring scale to tool, Fig. 7.




2. On all models, pull spring scale rearward and note reading. If reading is less than 14 oz. on RX-7 models, or 4.4-7.7 lbs. on 1984-87 626 models, replace ball joint and suspension arm. The ball joint cannot be separated from the suspension arm. If ball joint wear is excessive, replace the suspension arm/ball joint assembly.