Upper

Fig. 3 Checking ball joints for wear:

EXC. FIREBIRD
Before checking ball joints for wear, make sure the front wheel bearings are properly adjusted and that the control arms are tight. Referring to Fig. 3, raise wheel with a jack placed under the lower control at the point 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 Lower ball joint wear indicator. Exc. Firebird:

1. Upper ball joint should be replaced if there is any noticeable looseness at this joint. If the ball joint is the type using a built in rubber pre-load cushion it will be necessary to remove the ball stud from the knuckle. Then replace the ball joint retaining nut on the ball stud. Using a socket and torque wrench, measure amount of torque required to turn the ball stud in its socket. If any torque is required, the ball joint is satisfactory. If no torque is required, the ball joint must be replaced.
2. A visual wear indicator is built into the lower ball joint on all models, Fig. 4.