Lower Ball Joint

Before checking ball joints for wear, make sure the front wheel bearings are properly adjusted and that the control arms are tight.

Raise wheel with a jack placed under the frame as shown. Then test by moving the wheel up and down to check axial play, and rocking it at the top and bottom to measure radial play.

The upper ball joint should be replaced if total travel when rocking and tire exceeds 0.160 inch.

The lower ball joint is spring loaded and should be replaced if there is any noticeable lateral shake.

On Eagle models, if lower ball joint is worn excessively, the lower control arm and ball joint must be replaced as an assembly.