Front Suspension Lower Ball Joint

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - 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.

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

2. Mount a dial indicator solidly to the topside of the lower control arm.
3. Position the indicator plunger against the bottom surface of the steering knuckle and then zero the dial indicator.
4. Position a pry bar under the tire assembly. Pry upward on the tire assembly.
5. If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace the lower ball joint Front Suspension Lower Ball Joint - Removal.