Upper Ball Joint Inspection
- The vehicle must rest on a level surface.
- The vehicle must be stable. Do not rock the vehicle on the floor stands.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Clean and inspect the ball joint seal for cuts or tears. If the ball joint seal is damaged, replace the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement .
- Support the lower control arm with a floor stand as far outboard as possible and raise the suspension to just below ride height.
- Install J 8001 or a suitable dial indicator in a way to measure vertical lash in the ball joint.
- Apply downward force to the upper control arm and zero the indicator.
- Apply upward force to the upper control arm and check the dial indicator.
- If the dial indicator reading is more than 0.12 mm (0.005 in), replace the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement .
IMPORTANT:
NOTE:
Do not pry in such a way that the ball joint seal is contacted. Damage to the seal may result.