Ball Joint Inspection (Rear Suspension)

Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
Perform a visual inspection of the ball joint seals for cuts or tears. If damage exists, replace the ball joint. Refer to Lower Ball Joint Replacement .
Check wheel bearing for looseness. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis .
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 75 mm (3 in).

Fig 1: Clamping Dial Indicator To Bottom Of Brake Rotor

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: If rotor does not have a hold down bolt, install 3 lug nuts to ensure the stability of the rotor.

Clamp the J 8001 Dial Indicator, 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.

Fig 2: Setting Dial Indicator

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Set the dial indicator to zero.

Fig 3: Using Pry Bar To Check Ball Joint Play

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: 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.

Position a pry bar between the outer tie 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 to Lower Ball Joint Replacement .