Upper

Fig. 3 Checking ball joints for wear:

If loose ball joints are suspected, first be sure the front wheel bearings are properly adjusted and that the control arms are tight. Then check ball joints for wear as follows: Referring to Fig. 3, raise wheel with a jack placed under the lower control arm as shown. Then test by moving the wheel up and down to check axial play, and rocking it at the top and bottom to measure radial play.

Fig. 4 Ball joint wear indicator:

CUTLASS
1. Upper ball joint should be replaced if looseness exceeds .125 inch. A wear indicator is built into the lower ball joint, Fig. 4.