Component Tests and General Diagnostics

Suspension System



Component Tests


Ball Joint Inspection

1. Prior to inspecting the ball joints for wear, inspect the wheel bearings. Refer to Vehicle/Testing and Inspection.

2. Raise and support the vehicle by the frame or by the axle beams.

3. Inspect the ball joint and ball joint boot for damage.
- If the ball joint or ball joint boot is damaged, install a new ball joint.

NOTE: Carry out Steps 4-6 to inspect the lower ball joint. Carry out Steps 7-9 to inspect the upper ball joint. Carry out Steps 10-12 to inspect the track bar ball joint.

4. NOTICE: Do not use any tools or equipment to move the wheel and tire assembly or suspension components while checking for relative movement. Suspension damage can occur. The use of tools or equipment will also create relative movement that may not exist when using hand force. Relative movement must be measured using hand force only.

NOTE: To avoid lateral movement of the steering linkage and steering components, make sure to apply hand force only at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions of the wheel and tire assembly.

Inspect the ball joint for relative movement by alternately pulling outward and pushing inward on the wheel and tire assembly at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions, by hand. Note any relative movement between the wheel knuckle and the axle at the lower ball joint.
- If relative movement is not felt or seen, the ball joint is OK. Do not install a new ball joint.

- If relative movement is found, continue with Step 5.

5. NOTE: In order to obtain an accurate measurement, the dial indicator should be aligned as close as possible with the center line of the ball joint.

To measure ball joint deflection, attach a suitable dial indicator with a flexible arm between the axle and the wheel knuckle at the lower ball joint.





6. Measure the ball joint deflection while an assistant alternately pulls outward and pushes inward on the wheel and tire assembly at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions, by hand.
- If the deflection exceeds the specification, a new lower ball joint must be installed.

- If the deflection meets the specification, continue with the procedure.

7. NOTICE: Do not use any tools or equipment to move the wheel and tire assembly or suspension components while checking for relative movement. Suspension damage can occur. The use of tools or equipment will also create relative movement that may not exist when using hand force. Relative movement must be measured using hand force only.

NOTE: To avoid lateral movement of the steering linkage and steering components, make sure to apply hand force only at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions of the wheel and tire assembly.

Inspect the ball joint for relative movement by alternately pulling outward and pushing inward on the wheel and tire assembly at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions, by hand. Note any relative movement between the wheel knuckle and the axle at the upper ball joint.
- If relative movement is not felt or seen, the ball joint is OK. Do not install a new ball joint.

- If relative movement is found, continue with Step 8.

8. NOTE: In order to obtain an accurate measurement, the dial indicator should be aligned as close as possible with the center line of the ball joint.

To measure ball joint deflection, attach a suitable dial indicator with a flexible arm between the axle and the wheel knuckle at the upper ball joint.





9. Measure the ball joint deflection while an assistant alternately pulls outward and pushes inward on the wheel and tire assembly at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions, by hand.
- If the deflection exceeds the specification, a new upper ball joint must be installed.

- If the deflection meets the specification, no further action is required.

10. NOTE: When inspecting the track bar ball joint, use a suitable drive-on hoist (such as a drive-on alignment rack). If a drive-on hoist is not available, unload the track bar by supporting the front axle with suitable jackstands.

Inspect the ball joint for relative movement by alternately pushing up and pulling down on the track bar, by hand. Note any relative movement between the track bar and the axle at the track bar ball joint.

- If relative movement is not felt or seen, the ball joint is OK. Do not install a new ball joint.

- If relative movement is found, continue with Step 11.

11. NOTE: In order to obtain an accurate measurement, the dial indicator should be aligned as close as possible with the center line of the ball joint.

To measure ball joint deflection, attach a suitable dial indicator with a flexible arm between the axle and the track bar at the ball joint.





12. Measure the ball joint deflection while an assistant alternately pulls downward and pushes upward on the track bar, by hand.
- If the deflection exceeds the specification, a new track bar ball joint must be installed.