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Ball Joint Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Prior to inspecting the ball joints for wear, inspect the wheel bearings. For additional information, refer to NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS article.
    2. NOTE: In order to obtain an accurate measurement, the suspension must be in full rebound with the weight of the vehicle supported by the frame.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle by the frame to allow the wheels to hang in the rebound position.
  3. Inspect the ball joint and ball joint boot for damage.
    NOTE: Carry out Steps 4-6 to inspect the lower ball joint. Carry out Steps 7-9 to inspect the upper ball joint.
    4. 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.
    NOTE: The weight of the wheel and tire assembly must be overcome to obtain an accurate measurement on the dial indicator.
  4. 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 5.
    5. 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.
  5. To measure ball joint deflection, attach a suitable dial indicator with a flexible arm between the lower arm and the wheel knuckle or ball joint stud.
  6. Measure the ball joint deflection while an assistant pushes up and pulls down on the wheel and tire assembly, by hand.
    Fig 1: Measuring Ball Joint Deflection (Lower Arm)
    GF0009640Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    • If the deflection meets the specification, continue with the procedure.
    7. 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.
  7. Inspect the ball joint for relative movement by alternately pulling downward and pushing upward on the upper 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 8.
    8. 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.
  8. To measure ball joint deflection, attach a suitable dial indicator with a flexible arm between the upper arm and the wheel knuckle or ball joint stud.
  9. Measure the ball joint deflection while an assistant pushes up and then pulls down on the upper arm, by hand.
    Fig 2: Measuring Ball Joint Deflection (Upper Arm)
    GF0009641Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    • If the deflection meets the specification, no further action is required.
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