Upper

If loose ball joints are suspected, first be sure front wheel bearings are properly adjusted and that control arms are tight, then check ball joints as outlined below.

UPPER BALL JOINT
1. Raise front of vehicle with jacks placed between coil spring pockets and ball joint of lower control arm.
2. Position suitable dial indicator at top of wheel rim, then grasp wheel top and bottom, while pulling out top, push in bottom and read dial indicator. Reverse the push-pull procedure and read dial indicator.
3. If dial indicator reading exceeds .125 inch, the upper ball joint should be replaced.

Fig. 2 Lower ball joint check:

LOWER BALL JOINT
A wear indicator is built into the ball joint. Remove dirt deposits around service plug and observe position of nipple. Refer to Fig. 2 for wear tolerance.