Did you review the system descriptions and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information
2. Support the center of the front portion of the frame with a jack.
3. Clean the ball joint.
4. Inspect the ball joint seal for damage.

Is the ball joint seal damaged?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 3

Inspect the wheel bearing for looseness. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 4

Inspect the ball joint for horizontal looseness using the following procedure:

1. Hold the tire and wheel assembly at the top and at the bottom of the tire.
2. Rock the wheel in and out.

Does any horizontal looseness exist in the ball joint?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

Inspect the ball joint for vertical looseness using the following procedure:

1. Hold the front lower control arm near the ball joint.
2. Push and pull vertically on the control arm.

Does any vertical looseness exist in the ball joint?

Go to Step  6

Go to Step 7

Replace the ball joint and control arm assembly. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 7

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Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2