Ball Joint Inspection Lower Ball Joint

Special Tools

J 8001 Dial Indicator Set

Important: 

•	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 seals for cuts or tears. If the ball joint seals are damaged, replace the ball joint. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement.
3. Support the lower control arm with a floor stand as far outboard as possible and raise suspension to just below the ride height.
4. Install the J 8001 , or suitable dial indicator in a way to measure the vertical lash in the ball joint.

Notice: Do not pry between the lower arm and the wheel drive shaft boot or in such a manner that the ball joint seal is contacted. Damage to the wheel drive shaft boot will result (4WD).

5. Gently lift or pry the suspension to induce ball joint movement.
6. If the dial indicator is reading more than 0.15 mm (0.006 in) replace the lower ball joint. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement.

Ball Joint Inspection Upper Ball Joint

Special Tools

J 8001 Dial Indicator Set

Important: 

•	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 seals for cuts or tears. If the ball joint seals are damaged, replace the ball joint. Refer to 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 , or suitable dial indicator in a way to measure the vertical lash in the ball joint.

Notice: Do not pry between the lower arm and the wheel drive shaft boot or in such a manner that the ball joint seal is contacted. Damage to the wheel drive shaft boot will result (4WD).

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 0.15 mm (0.006 in), replace the upper control arm. Refer to Upper Control Arm Replacement.