Ball Joint Inspection

Ball Joint Inspection
1. Raise the vehicle and allow the suspension to hang free.
2. Grasp the tire at the top and the bottom.
3. Move the top of the tire in an in-and-out motion.
4. Look for any horizontal movement of the knuckle relative to the control arm.
5. The control arm assembly must be replaced if the following conditions exist:
^ The joint is loose.
^ The ball seal is cut.
^ The ball stud is disconnected from the knuckle.
^ The ball stud is loose at the knuckle.
^ The ball stud can be twisted in its socket with finger pressure.

Ball Stud Inspection
Inspect the tightness of the ball stud in the knuckle boss during each inspection of the ball joint. One way to inspect the ball stud for wear is to shake the wheel and feel for movement of the stud end or the retaining nut at the knuckle boss.

Another way to inspect the ball stud for wear is to check the fastener torque at the retaining nut. A loose nut can indicate a stressed stud or a hole in the knuckle boss.

Replace worn or damaged ball joints and knuckles.