Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection

LOWER BALL JOINT

1. Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor stands under both lower control arms as far outboard as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the stands to support some or all of the vehicle weight.
2. Mount a dial indicator solidly to the topside of the lower control arm and then zero the dial indicator.
3. Position the indicator plunger against the bottom surface of the steering knuckle.

NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpendicular to the machined surface of the steering knuckle.

4. Position a pry bar under the tire assembly. Pry upwards on the tire assembly.
5. If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace the lower ball joint.