Ball Joint Inspection (Upper Ball Joint)
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2004 GMC Sierra, 2004 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, 2004 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado, and 2003 GMC Sierra. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Tools Required
- J 8001: Dial Indicator Set
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
- With the wheel and tire on the vehicle, lift the suspension corner by hand to determine if any looseness is present. If vertical free play is experienced proceed with the following instructions.
- Remove the wheel and tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
- Support the lower control arm with a floor stand or jack, as far outboard as possible.
- If a seal is cut or torn, replace the ball joint.
- Clean and inspect the ball joint seals for cuts or tears. If the ball joint seals are damaged, replace the ball joint. Refer to Upper Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.
- Check the wheel bearing for looseness in the wheel bearing is present, refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis .
- Check the upper ball joint for vertical looseness.
- Remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolt. This will ensure that the suspension is unloaded.
- Install and position the dial indicator from J 8001 against the rim of the upper ball joint.
- Apply downward force to the upper control arm and zero the indicator pointer/pad against the rim of the upper ball joint.
- Release the arm and check the dial indicator. The dial indicator reading should be no more than 2 mm (0.079 in). If the reading is too high, replace the upper control arm. Refer to Upper Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.