Lower Ball Joints

INSPECTION

On Vehicle Inspection

1. Support the vehicle on stands.
2. Disconnect the ball joint at the lower end of the strut as described below; you need not remove the lower control arm entirely.
3. Install the nut back onto the ball stud.
4. Using an inch lb. torque wrench, measure the torque required to start the ball joint rotating. Acceptable specifications are 9–30 inch lbs. (1.01–3.39 Nm).

   If the figures are within specification, the ball joint is satisfactory. If the figure is too high, the joint should be replaced. If the figure is too low, you can still reuse the joint provided its rotation is smooth and even. If there is roughness or play, it must be replaced.

Off Vehicle Inspection

With the removed ball joint set in a vise, measure the lower ball joint end-play with a dial indicator. The limit is 0.020 in. (0.5mm). If the lower ball joint end-play exceeds the limit, replace the lower ball joint with a new one.