Diagnosis And Testing - Upper Ball Joint

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Jeep Wrangler and 2015 Jeep Wrangler. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Upper Ball Joint Movement Measurement

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

To properly diagnose the upper ball joint readings from the dial indicator are necessary.

Raise and support the vehicle.
Mount a dial indicator (3) to the rotor or knuckle with the indicator/plunger resting on the ball joint (1).
Set the dial indicator (3) to zero.
Insert a pry bar (5) between the knuckle (4) and axle tube (2).
Record the radial upper ball joint movement. If this reading is above 1.5 mm (0.060 in) then replacement of the upper ball joint is necessary. Refer to BALL JOINT, SUSPENSION, UPPER, REMOVAL .