Tools Required

J 8001 Dial Indicator

1. The vehicle must rest on a level surface.
2. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle with safety stands. Support the lower control arm with a floor stand or jack, as far outboard as possible, under the stabilizer bar bracket.
3. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle with safety stands. Support the lower control arm with a floor stand or jack, as far outboard as possible, under the stabilizer bar bracket.

Important: If a seal is cut or torn, replace the ball joint.

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

6.1.	Position the dial indicator against the lowest outboard point on the wheel rim.

6.2.	Rock the wheel in and out while reading the dial indicator. This shows horizontal looseness in both joints.

6.3.	The dial indicator reading should be no more than 3.18 mm (0.125 in). If the reading is too high, check the lower ball joints for vertical looseness.




7. Check the lower ball joint for wear using the following procedure:

7.1.

Inspect the lower ball joint for wear by sight. The position of the housing into which the grease fitting is threaded indicates wear. This round housing projects 1.27 mm (0.050 in) beyond the surface of the ball joint cover on a new ball joint. Under normal wear, the surface of the ball joint housing retreats inward very slowly.

7.2.	Observe or scrape a scale, a screwdriver, or a fingernail across the cover. If the round housing is flush with or inside of the cover surface, replace the ball joint.

8. If the lower ball joint is within specifications, and horizontal looseness exceeds the limit, check the upper ball joint for wear.

8.1.	Disconnect the ball joint from the knuckle.

8.2.	If any looseness is found, or the stud can be twisted with your fingers, replace the ball joint.