Component Tests

Ball Joint Inspection 

1. Prior to inspecting the ball joints for wear, inspect the wheel bearings and wheel hubs. REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) .
2. NOTE: In order to obtain accurate measurements, the suspension must be in full rebound with the weight of the vehicle supported by the frame.

   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.
   • If the ball joint or ball joint boot is damaged, install a new lower ball joint as necessary. REFER to: Ball Joint . for RWD vehicles or REFER to: Ball Joint . for 4WD vehicles.
   NOTE: Carry out Steps 4 through 6 to inspect the lower ball joint. Carry out Steps 7 through 9 to inspect the upper ball joint.
4. NOTE: Do not use any tools or equipment to move the wheel and tire assembly or suspension components while checking for relative movement. Suspension damage may 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.

   Inspect the ball joint for relative movement by alternately pulling downward and pushing upward on the lower control arm by hand. Note any relative vertical movement between the wheel knuckle and lower control arm at the lower ball joint.

   • If relative movement is not felt or seen, the ball joint is OK. Do not install a new lower 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.

   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.

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

6. Measure the ball joint deflection while an assistant pushes up and pulls down on the lower control arm, by hand.
   • If the deflection exceeds the specification, a new lower ball joint must be installed. REFER to: Ball Joint RWD . for RWD vehicles or REFER to: Ball Joint 4WD . for 4WD vehicles.
   • If the deflection meets the specification, continue with the procedure.

7. NOTE: Do not use any tools or equipment to move the wheel and tire assembly or suspension components while checking for relative movement. Suspension damage may 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.

   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 8

8. 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.

   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.

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

9. 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 upper ball joint must be installed. REFER to: Ball Joint RWD . for RWD vehicles or REFER to: Ball Joint 4WD . for 4WD vehicles.
   • If the deflection meets or is below the specification, no further action is required.

10. NOTE: When inspecting the track bar ball joint, use a suitable drive-on hoist (such as a drive-on alignment rack). If a drive-on hoist is not available, unload the track bar by supporting the front axle with suitable jackstands.

    Inspect the ball joint for relative movement by alternately pushing up and pulling down on the track bar, by hand. Note any relative movement between the track bar and the axle at the track bar 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 11.

11. NOTE: In order to obtain an accurate measurement, the dial indicator should be aligned as close as possible with the center line of the ball joint

    To measure ball joint deflection, attach a suitable dial indicator with a flexible arm between the axle and the track bar at the ball joint.

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

12. Measure the ball joint deflection while an assistant alternately pulls downward and pushes upward on the track bar, by hand.
    • If the deflection exceeds the specification, a new track bar ball joint must be installed. REFER to: Track Bar Ball Joint . REFER to: Track Bar Ball Joint - Vehicles With: Integral Ball Joint .