Diagnosis And Testing - Lower Ball Joint - Link And Coil

To properly diagnose the lower ball joint two readings from the dial indicator are necessary, The two readings must be added together to find a total ball joint movement as identified in the steps below.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
   Fig 1: Dial Indicator Position

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

   1 - STEERING KNUCKLE

   2 - DIAL INDICATOR

2. Attach a dial indicator (2) with the indicator resting on the flat part of the steering knuckle (1) by the lower ball stud.
3. Set the dial indicator (2) to zero.
   Fig 2: Prying Between Knuckle & Axle Tube Yoke Next To Upper Ball Joint

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

   1 - PRY BAR

   2 - UPPER BALL JOINT

   3 - GREASE SEAL

   4 - STEERING KNUCKLE

   NOTE:

   Use care not to damage the upper ball joint grease seal (3).

4. Pry between the knuckle (4) and the axle tube yoke next to the upper ball joint (2), Record the reading on the dial indicator. This will be the first reading  .
   Fig 3: Using A Long Prybar To Lift Knuckle Assembly

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

   1 - PRY BAR

   2 - DIAL INDICATOR

   3 - JACK STAND

5. Set the dial indicator (2) back to zero.
6. Set up a jack stand (3) and use a long pry bar (1) to lift the knuckle assembly.
   Fig 4: Prying Upward On Flat Part Of Steering Knuckle Next To Ball Joint Stud & Nut

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

   1 - PRY BAR

   2 - UPPER BALL JOINT

   3 - AXLE YOKE

   4 - GREASE SEAL

   5 - STEERING KNUCKLE

7. Pry upwards on the flat part of the steering knuckle (5) next to the ball joint stud and nut (2) using the jack stand as leverage. Record the reading on the dial indicator. This will be the second reading  .
8. Add the two reading together for a total lower ball joint movement, If this reading is above 2.29 mm (0.090 in) then replacement of the lower ball joint is necessary. Refer to BALL JOINT, SUSPENSION, LOWER, REMOVAL .