Ball Joint: Service and Repair

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

Fig. 6 Checking ball joint for wear. RX-7:

1. On RX-7 models, attach steering knuckle arm to ball joint, then rotate stud several turns to tighten it. Attach a suitable spring scale to tie rod connection hole in steering knuckle arm, Fig. 6.




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.