Ball Joint Inspection Front Suspension

Special Tools

J 8001 Dial Indicator Set

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
3. Perform a visual inspection of the ball joint seals for cuts or tears. If damage exists, replace the ball joint. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .



4. Position J 8001 onto the lower control arm with the needle on the steering knuckle as shown. Set the dial indicator to zero.

Important: Do not pry between the lower control arm and the wheel drive shaft boot.

5. Position a pry bar, lift the steering knuckle upward, then let it settle while observing the dial indicator. The reading should be within 0.7 mm (0.028 in) specification. If the ball joint is out of specification, replace the ball joint. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .