Ball Joint Inspection (Front Suspension)

Ball Joint Inspection (Front Suspension)

Special Tools

J 8001 Dial Indicator Set

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
3. Perform a visual inspection of the ball joint seals for cuts or tears. If damage exists, replace the ball joint. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement (Service and Repair).




4. Position J 8001 onto the lower control arm with the needle on the steering knuckle as shown. Set the dial indicator to zero.

Important: Do not pry between the lower control arm and the wheel drive shaft boot.


5. Position a pry bar, lift the steering knuckle upward, then let it settle while observing the dial indicator. The reading should be within 0.7 mm (0.28 in) specification. If the ball joint is out of specification, replace the ball joint. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement (Service and Repair).