Diagnosis And Testing - Upper Ball Joint - Independent Front Suspension
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 RAM Pickup and 2012 RAM Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor stands under both lower control arms as far outboard as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the stands to support some or all of the vehicle weight.
- Remove the front tires.NOTE:
The dial indicator plunger must be perpendicular to the machined surface of the ball joint.
- Mount a dial indicator solidly to the frame.NOTE:
Use care not to pry or tear the ball joint boot (5), when checking the free play.
- Position dial indicator plunger on the topside of the upper ball joint and then zero the dial indicator.
- Position a pry bar between the steering knuckle and the upper control arm. Pry upwards on the upper control arm.
- If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace the upper ball joint. Refer to BALL JOINT, SUSPENSION, UPPER, REMOVAL .
- If the upper ball joint is within specs reinstall the front tires. Refer to WHEELS, STANDARD PROCEDURE .