Ball Joint Inspection (Rear Suspension)

Ball Joint Inspection (Rear Suspension)

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies.
3. Perform a visual inspection of the ball joint seals for cuts or tears. If damage exists, replace the ball joint.
4. Check wheel bearing for looseness. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis. Wheel Bearings Diagnosis
5. Remove the spring force from the lower control arm by supporting the lower control arm with a floor stand.
Position the floor stand as far outboard as possible and raise the control arm 75 mm (3 in).





Important: If rotor does not have a hold down bolt, install 3 lug nuts to ensure the stability of the rotor.

6. Clamp the J 8001 Dial Indicator, to the bottom of the brake rotor. Place the dial indicator needle against the flange of the ball joint at the ball joint centerline most inboard point.




7. Set the dial indicator to zero.





Important: Do NOT pry between the lower control arm and the wheel drive shaft boot or damage may result. Do NOT pry on the knuckle boss near the ball joint boot or damage to the ball joint may result.

8. Position a pry bar between the outer tie end-arm of the knuckle and the lower control arm. Lift the steering knuckle upward, then let it settle while observing the dial indicator. If the reading is 0.5 mm (0.020 in) or more, replace the ball joint.