Ball Joint Wear Check Independent

1. Rest the vehicle on a level surface.




Important: 

•	The vehicle must be stable and should not rock on the floor stands.

•	The upper control arm boot seal must not contact the frame.

2. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle with suitable safety stands. Support the lower control arm with a floor stand or jack, as far outboard as possible, near the ball joint.

Important: If a seal is cut or torn, the ball joint MUST be replaced.

3. Wipe the ball joints clean. Check the seals for cuts or tears.
4. Adjust the front wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearing Adjustment .
5. Check the ball joints for vertical looseness.

•	With the vehicle on the jack stands, place a dial indicator against the spindle to show vertical movement.

•	Pry between the lower control arm and the outer race while reading the dial indicator. This will show vertical looseness in the ball joints.

•	If the dial indicator reading is more than 2 mm (0.08 in), replace the ball joint.