Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection

Ball Joint Inspection

Special Tools

J-8001 - Dial Indicator

Upper Ball Joint Inspection

Note:
* The vehicle must rest on a level surface.
* The vehicle must be stable. Do not rock the vehicle on the floor stands.
* The upper control arm and ball joint are serviced as a unit.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Clean and inspect the ball joint seal for cuts or tears. If the ball joint seal is damaged, replace the upper control assembly. Refer to Upper Control Arm Replacement (Upper Control Arm Replacement).
3. Support the lower control arm with a floor stand as far outboard as possible and raise the suspension to just below ride height.
4. Install J-8001 - Dial Indicator or a suitable dial indicator in a way to measure vertical lash in the ball joint.





Caution: Do not pry in such a way that the ball joint seal is contacted. Damage to the seal may result.

5. Apply downward force to the upper control arm and zero the indicator.
6. Apply upward force to the upper control arm and check the dial indicator.
7. If the dial indicator reading is more than 0.12 mm (0.005 in), replace the upper control arm assembly. Refer to Upper Control Arm Replacement (Upper Control Arm Replacement).

Lower Ball Joint Inspection

Note:
* The vehicle must rest on a level surface.
* The vehicle must be stable. Do not rock the vehicle on the floor stands.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Clean and inspect the ball joint seal for cuts or tears. If the ball joint seal is damaged, replace the lower control arm. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement (Lower Control Arm Replacement).
3. Support the lower control arm with a floor stand as far outboard as possible and raise the suspension to just below ride height.





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

4. Install J-8001 - Indicator or a suitable dial indicator in a way to measure vertical lash in the ball joint.

Caution: Do not pry in such a way that the ball joint seal is contacted. Damage to the seal may result.

5. Gently lift or pry the suspension to induce ball joint movement.
6. If the dial indicator reading is more than 0.5 mm (0.020 in), replace the lower control arm. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement (Lower Control Arm Replacement).