Ball Joint Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? If yes, go to next step. If no, see SYMPTOMS - SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS .
Raise and support the vehicle. Clean the ball joint and inspect the seal for damage. Is the ball joint seal damaged? If yes, go to next step. If no, see SYMPTOMS - SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS .
Check the wheel bearing for looseness. Refer to WHEEL BEARINGS DIAGNOSIS . Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step 7 . If no, go to next step.
NOTE: Remove tension from the ball joints.
Check the ball joint for horizontal looseness using the following procedure:
- Position the J 8001 Dial Indicator against the lowest outboard point of the wheel rim.
- Rock the wheel in and out while reading the dial indicator.
Does the dial indicator measure greater than 3.18 mm (0.125 in)? If yes, go to step 6 . If no, go to next step.

Fig 1: Identifying J8001 Dial Indicator Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Remove tension from the ball joints.
Check the ball joint for vertical looseness using the following procedure:
1. Install the J 8001. See Fig 1 .
2. Move the ball joint up and down while reading the dial indicator.
Does the dial indicator measure greater than the specified value? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 7 .
Replace the ball joint/lower control arm. Refer to LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION . Did you complete the repair?
Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? If yes, system is OK. If no, go back to step 2 .