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Ball Joint Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2006 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be turned off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, depower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .
  1. If equipped, turn the air suspension service switch to the OFF position.
  2. Prior to inspecting the ball joints for wear, inspect the wheel bearings. Refer to NOISE, VIBRATION & HARSHNESS .
    3. NOTE: In order to get accurate measurements, the suspension must be in full rebound with the weight of the vehicle supported by the frame.
  3. Raise and support the vehicle by the frame to allow the wheels to hang in the rebound position.
  4. Inspect the ball joint and ball joint boot for damage.
    • If the ball joint or ball joint boot is damaged, install a new ball joint as necessary. Refer to FRONT SUSPENSION .
    NOTE: Carry out Steps  5 through  7 to inspect the lower ball joint. Carry out Steps  8 through  10 to inspect the upper ball joint.
    5. CAUTION: Do not use any tools or equipment to move the wheel and tire assembly or suspension components while checking for relative movement. Suspension damage can occur. The use of tools or equipment will also create relative movement that may not exists when using hand force. Relative movement must be measured using hand force only.
    NOTE: The weight of the wheel and tire assembly must be overcome to get an accurate measurement on the dial indicator.
  5. Inspect the ball joint for relative movement by alternately pulling downward and pushing upward on the wheel and tire assembly by hand. Note any relative vertical movement between the wheel knuckle and lower arm at the lower ball joint
    • If relative movement is not felt or seen, the ball joint is OK. Do not install a new ball joint.
    • If relative movement is found, continue with Step 6.
    6. NOTE: In order to obtain an accurate measurement, the dial indicator should be aligned as close as possible with the vertical axis (center line) of the ball joint.
    Fig 1: Measuring Ball Joint Deflection
    G04582700Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. To measure ball joint deflection, attach a suitable dial indicator with a flexible arm between the lower control arm and the wheel knuckle or ball joint stud.
  7. Measure the ball joint deflection while an assistant pushes up and pulls down on the wheel and tire assembly, by hand.
    • If the deflection exceeds the specification, a new ball joint must be installed. Refer to FRONT SUSPENSION .
    • If the deflection meets the specification, continue with the procedure.
    8. CAUTION: Do not use any tools or equipment to move the wheel and tire assembly or suspension components while checking for relative movement or suspension damage can occur. The use of tools or equipment will also create relative movement that may not exist when using hand force. Relative movement must be measured using hand force only.
  8. Inspect the ball joint for relative movement by alternately pulling downward and pushing upward on the upper control arm by hand. Note any relative vertical movement between the wheel knuckle and upper arm at the upper ball joint.
    • If relative movement is not felt or seen, the ball joint is OK. Do not install a new ball joint.
    • If relative movement is found, continue with Step 9.
    9. NOTE: In order to obtain an accurate measurement, the dial indicator should be aligned as close as possible with the vertical axis of the ball joint.
    Fig 2: Inspecting Ball Joint
    G04582701Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. To measure ball joint deflection, attach a suitable dial indicator with a flexible arm between the upper control arm and the wheel knuckle or ball joint stud.
  10. Measure the ball joint deflection while an assistant pushes up and then pulls down on the upper control arm, by hand.
    • If the deflection exceeds the specification, a new ball joint must be installed. Refer to FRONT SUSPENSION .
    • If the deflection meets the specification, no further action is required.
    11. WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .
  11. If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system.
  12. If equipped, turn the air suspension service switch to the ON position.
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