Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Inspection
Special Tools
J 8001 Dial Indicator
Equivalent regional tools:Special Tools
- The vehicle must rest on a level surface.
- The vehicle must be stable. Do not rock the vehicle on the floor stands.
- This procedure was developed for checking the vertical movement of the front upper control arm ball stud.. If there is movement in the horizontal or any other direction greater than the below specification, replace the front upper control arm.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
- Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Without Dual Rear Wheels)Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (With Dual Rear Wheels)
- Clean and inspect the front upper control arm ball stud seal for cuts or tears. If the front upper control arm ball stud seal is damaged, replace the front upper control arm. Upper Control Arm Replacement
- Support the front lower control arm with a floor stand as far outboard as possible and raise the suspension until the front lower control arm moves 25 mm (1 in).
Install the base of the J 8001 Dial Indicator, or equivalent, to the front upper control arm as shown (1).
- Install the J 8001 Dial Indicator, or equivalent, to the steering knuckle with the contact point at the location shown above (2).
- Apply downward force to the front upper control arm and zero the dial indicator.
- Apply upward force to the front upper control arm and record the reading on the dial indicator.
- If the dial indicator reading is more than 0.50 mm (0.020 in), replace the front upper control arm. Upper Control Arm Replacement
- Remove the J 8001 Dial Indicator from the vehicle.
- Install the front tire and wheel assembly. Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Without Dual Rear Wheels)Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (With Dual Rear Wheels)
- Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
NOTE:
CAUTION:
Do not pry in such a way that the ball joint seal is contacted. Damage to the seal may result.