GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2009 🢒 XLR 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Suspension General Diagnosis 🢒 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.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. 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.
  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 or a suitable dial indicator in a way to measure vertical lash in the ball joint.

    5. Object Number: 1855598 Size: SH

    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 steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Knuckle 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.
  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.
  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. Object Number: 1825790 Size: SH

    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 or a suitable dial indicator in a way to measure vertical lash in the ball joint.

    5. 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.