Tools Required

J 8001 Dial Indicator

Important: 

•	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 bumper must not contact the frame.

1. Raise and support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Support the lower control arm with a floor stand or jack, as far outboard as possible, under the stabilizer bar bracket.

Important: If a seal is cut or torn, replace the ball joint.

3. Wipe the ball joints clean. Check the seals for cuts or tears.
4. Adjust the wheel bearings, RWD only. Refer to Wheel Bearing Adjustment .
5. Check the ball joints for horizontal looseness.

5.1.	Position the dial indicator against the lowest outboard point on the wheel rim.

5.2.	Rock the wheel in and out while reading the dial indicator. This shows horizontal looseness in both joints.

5.3.	The indicator reading should be no more than 3.18 mm (0.125 in). If the reading is too high, check the lower ball joints for vertical looseness.




6. For RWD vehicles, check the lower ball joints for wear and for vertical looseness using the following procedure:

6.1.

Inspect by sight the lower ball joint for wear. The position of the housing into which the grease fitting is threaded indicates wear. This round housing projects 1.27 mm (0.050 in) beyond the surface of the ball joint cover on a new ball joint. Under normal wear, the surface of the ball joint housing retreats inward very slowly.

6.2.	First observe, then scrape a scale, a screwdriver, or a fingernail across the cover. If the round housing is flush with or inside of the cover surface, replace 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).

7. For 4WD vehicles, place the vehicle on jack stands. Place a dial indicator (1) against the spindle in order to show vertical movement.



8. Pry between the lower control arm (2) and the outer bearing race (1) while reading the dial indicator. This shows vertical looseness in the ball joints. The lower ball joint is not preloaded and may show some looseness.
9. If the indicator reading is more than 3.18 mm (0.125 in), replace the ball joint.
10. If the lower ball joint is within specifications, and there is too much horizontal looseness, check the upper ball joint for wear.

10.1.

Disconnect the ball joint from the steering knuckle.

10.2.

If you find any looseness or can twist the stud with your fingers, replace the ball joint.