Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection

Ball Joint Inspection

1. Remove the front lower ball joint. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement (Service and Repair).
2. Inspect the ball joint seal and the lubricant. If the seal is damaged or not holding the lubricant, replace the ball joint.
3. Clamp the ball joint in a soft-jawed vise.




4. Inspect the movement of the ball joint by moving the ball joint back and forth 5 times.
5. Install a new nut on the stud.
6. Use a beam type torque wrench in order to turn the nut continuously for one turn every 3 to 5 seconds.
7. Take the torque reading on the fifth turn.

If the vehicle has the 2.4L engine RPO LAX, the reading should be between 0.98 Nm (8.7 lb in) and 3.4 Nm (30 lb in). If the vehicle has the 1.8L engine RPO LAY, the reading should be between 0.98 Nm (8.7 lb in) and 4.9 Nm (43 lb in).

8. If the torque reading of the ball joint is not within the specification, replace the ball joint.
9. Install the ball joint. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement (Service and Repair).