Ball Joint Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and 2004 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to JACKING & LIFTING
Prior to carrying out any inspection of the ball joints, inspect the front wheel bearings.
Position a safety stand beneath the front suspension lower arm to be tested.

Fig 1: Inspecting Lower Ball Joint
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
While an assistant pries upward on the bottom of the tire, observe the relative movement between the spindle and the lower arm ball joint. Any movement at or exceeding the specification indicates a worn or damaged lower ball joint. Install a new ball joint as necessary. Refer to BALL JOINT - LOWER, 2WD or BALL JOINT - LOWER, 4WD .

Fig 2: Inspecting Upper Ball Joint
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
While an assistant pries upward on the bottom of the tire, observe the relative movement between the spindle and the upper arm ball joint. Movement at or exceeding the specification indicates a worn or damaged upper ball joint. Install a new upper arm as necessary. Refer to WHEEL BEARING, HUB, KNUCKLE, UPPER ARM AND LOWER ARM - REAR .