Tools Required
J 8001
Dial Indicator
Upper Ball Joint Inspection
Important:
• | The vehicle must rest on a level surface. |
• | The vehicle must be stable. Do not rock the vehicle on the floor stands. |
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
.
- Clean and inspect the ball joint seal for cuts or tears. If the ball joint seal is damaged, replace the steering knuckle. Refer to
Steering Knuckle Replacement
.
- Support the lower control arm with a floor stand as far outboard as possible and raise the suspension to just below ride height.
- Install
J 8001
or a suitable dial indicator in a way to measure vertical lash in the ball joint.
Notice: Do not pry in such a way that the ball joint seal is contacted. Damage to the seal may result.
- Apply downward force to the upper control arm and zero the indicator.
- Apply upward force to the upper control arm and check the dial indicator.
- If the dial indicator reading is more than 0.12 mm (0.005 in), replace the steering knuckle. Refer to
Steering Knuckle Replacement
.
Lower Ball Joint Inspection
Important:
• | The vehicle must rest on a level surface. |
• | The vehicle must be stable. Do not rock the vehicle on the floor stands. |
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
.
- 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
.
- Support the lower control arm with a floor stand as far outboard as possible and raise the suspension to just below ride height.
Important: If the rotor does not have a hold down bolt, install 3 lug nuts to ensure the stability of the rotor.
- Install
J 8001
or a suitable dial indicator in a way to measure vertical lash in the ball joint.
Notice: Do not pry in such a way that the ball joint seal is contacted. Damage to the seal may result.
- Gently lift or pry the suspension to induce ball joint movement.
- 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
.