Revised Ball Joint Inspection Procedure and Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) Diagnosis Information (06-03-09-003)

Revised Ball Joint Inspection Procedure and Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) Diagnosis Information

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Overview

The purpose of this bulletin is to inform GM dealers and its customers about a revised ball joint inspection procedure that has been published in the Suspension General Diagnosis sub-section of SI for 2001-2006 vans equipped with independent rear suspension (IRS). If you are using a paper version of this Service Manual, please make a reference to this bulletin on the affected page.

Rear ball joints should be inspected for end play, wear, or damage if one or more of the following repairs or conditions occur:

• Prior to any repair procedure that requires the separation of the ball stud from the knuckle. For example, a knuckle, bearing, or axle shaft replacement.
• When a customer comments on rear suspension noises such as creaks, groans, pops, or rattles.
• When a customer comments on irregular rear tire wear, or when a technician observes irregular rear tire wear.
• Before checking or resetting the rear suspension alignment.
• When investigating customer concerns about vehicle wandering or on-center handling.

Refer toBall Joint Inspection (Rear Suspension - IRS)  in SI or this bulletin.

Ball Joint Inspection (Rear Suspension - IRS)

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle  in SI.
2. Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation  in SI.
3. Perform a visual inspection of the ball joint seals for cuts or tears. If damage exists, replace the ball joint. Refer to Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement  in SI.
4. Check wheel bearing for looseness. Refer toWheel Bearings Diagnosis  in SI.
5. Remove the spring force from the lower control arm by supporting the lower control arm with a floor stand. Position the floor stand as far outboard as possible and raise the control arm approximately 75 mm (3 in).
Fig 1: Clamping Dial Indicator To Bottom Of Brake Rotor
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
6. IMPORTANT: If the rotor does not have a hold down bolt, then install 3 lug nuts to ensure the stability of the rotor.
   
   Clamp the dial indicator J-8001 (or equivalent tool) to the bottom of the brake rotor. Place the dial indicator needle against the flange of the ball joint at the ball joint centerline (most inboard point), as shown in the illustration.
Fig 2: Setting Dial Indicator
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
7. Set the dial indicator to zero.
8. NOTE: Do not pry between the lower control arm and the wheel drive shaft boot or damage may result. Do not pry on the knuckle boss near the ball joint boot or damage to the ball joint may result.
   Fig 3: Measuring Ball Joint Play

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
   
   Position a pry bar between the outer tie rod end-arm of the knuckle and the lower control arm, lift the steering knuckle upward, then let it settle while observing the dial indicator. If the reading is 0.5 mm (0.020 in) or more, replace the ball joint. Refer toRear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement  in SI.

Warranty Information

An add time for the ball joint inspection has been assigned to any repair procedure that requires the separation of the ball stud from the knuckle. For example, a knuckle, bearing, or axle shaft replacement. The following labor operation codes include an add time of 0.3 hr to perform the ball joint inspection in this bulletin.

E4300-Bearing And Hub Assembly, Rear Wheel- Right -Replace

E4301-Bearing And Hub Assembly, Rear Wheel- Left- Replace

E4307-Bearing And Hub Assembly, Rear Wheel- Both- Replace

E4760-Knuckle Assembly, Rear Wheel-Right -Replace

E4761-Knuckle Assembly, Rear Wheel- Left- Replace

E4767 -Knuckle Assembly, Rear Wheel- Both -Replace

E5700 -Axle Assembly, Rear- Replace

E5020-Springs, Rear Coil- Right- R & R Or Replace

E5021-Springs, Rear Coil -Left -R & R Or Replace

E5027-Springs, Rear Coil -Both -R & R Or Replace

E5050-Seat, Mount And/Or Insulator, Rear Spring (Upper And/Or Lower)- Right- Replace

E5051-Seat, Mount And/Or Insulator, Rear Spring (Upper And/Or Lower)- Left -Replace

E5057 -Seat, Mount And/Or Insulator, Rear Spring (Upper And/Or Lower)- Both- Replace

E5680-Crossmember Assembly, Rear Suspension -R & R Or Replace

The labor operation code for performing only the ball joint inspection is E9436. The labor time amount is 0.6 hr.

These labor operation codes and/or time amounts are not included in the current Labor Time Guide. The next update of the Labor Time Guide will include these labor operation codes and/or time amounts.