Ball Joint Inspection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Lincoln LS and 2003 Lincoln LS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Raise and support the vehicle.
- Prior to performing any inspection of the ball joints, inspect the front wheel bearings for looseness.
- While an assistant pulls and pushes the top and bottom of the tire, observe the relative movement between the ball joint and the front suspension lower arm. Any movement indicates a worn or damaged ball joint. Install a new wheel knuckle as necessary. For additional information, refer to WHEEL BEARING, HUB, KNUCKLE, UPPER ARM AND LOWER ARM - FRONT .
- While an assistant pulls and pushes the top and bottom of the tire, observe the relative movement between the ball joint and the front suspension upper arm or rear suspension upper arm. Any movement indicates a worn or damaged ball joint. Install a new front suspension upper arm as necessary. For additional information, refer to WHEEL BEARING, HUB, KNUCKLE, UPPER ARM AND LOWER ARM - FRONT .