Ball Joint Inspection

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

Remove the front lower ball joint. Refer to LOWER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
Clamp the ball joint in a soft-jawed vise.
Inspect the movement of the ball joint by moving the ball joint back and forth 5 times.
Install a new nut on the stud.
Use a beam type torque wrench in order to turn the nut continuously for 1 turn every 3 to 5 seconds.

Fig 1: Using Beam-Type Torque Wrench To Check Ball Joint
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Take the torque reading on the fifth turn. The reading should be between 0.98 N.m (8.674 lb in) and 4.9 N.m (43.37 lb in).
If the movement of the ball joint is not within the specification, replace the ball joint. Refer to LOWER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .