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Ball Joint Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Montana, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2003 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? If yes, go to next step. If no, see SYMPTOMS - SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS .
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE . Clean the ball joint and inspect the seal for damage. Is the ball joint seal damaged? If yes, go to step  6. If no, go to next step.
  3. Check the wheel bearing for looseness. Refer to WHEEL BEARINGS DIAGNOSIS . Did you find and correct the condition?
    NOTE: Remove tension from the ball joints.
  4. Check the ball joint for horizontal looseness using the following procedure:
    1. Position the J-8001 Dial Indicator against the lowest outboard point of the wheel rim.
    2. 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: Using J-8001 To Measure Wheel Bearing Wear
    G00371043Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    NOTE: Remove tension from the ball joints.
  5. 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 3.18 mm (0.125 in)? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step  7.
  6. Replace the ball joint. Refer to LOWER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION or REAR AXLE LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT in Rear Suspension. Did you complete the repair? If yes, go to next step.
  7. 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.
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