Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection

Checking Lower Ball Joint:

1. Raise and support vehicle.
2. With suspension in full rebound position, grasp lower edge of tire and move wheel in and out.
3. Observe lower end of knuckle and lower control arm as wheel is being moved in and out. Any movement between lower end of knuckle and lower arm indicates excessive ball joint wear.
4. If any movement is observed, install a new lower control arm assembly. The lower ball joint and control arm are serviced as an assembly only.