Ball Joint Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Pontiac G5 Pursuit, 2007 Pontiac G5, and 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Step	Action	Values	Yes	No
1	Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections?	-	Go to Step 2	Go to 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?	-	Go to Step 6	Go to Step 3
3	Check 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
4	IMPORTANT: 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 the specified value?	3.18 mm (0.125 in)	Go to Step 6	Go to Step 5
5	IMPORTANT: Remove tension from the ball joints. Check the ball joint for vertical looseness using the following procedure: Install the J 8001 . Move the ball joint up and down while reading the dial indicator. Does the dial indicator measure greater than the specified value?	3.18 mm (0.125 in)	Go to Step 6	Go to Step 7
6	Replace the ball joint/lower control arm. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement . Did you complete the repair?	-	Go to Step 7	-
7	Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?	-	System OK	Go to Step 2