2012 Jeep Wrangler JK Factory Service Manual 02 - Front Suspension

BALL JOINT, Suspension, Lower

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL JOINT

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL JOINT


To properly diagnose the lower ball joint readings from the dial indicator are necessary.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle.

  2.  
  3. Attach a dial indicator (4) with the indicator resting on the flat part of the steering knuckle (3) by the lower ball stud .

  4.  
  5. Set the dial indicator (4) to zero.

  6.  
  7. Pry between the knuckle (3) and the axle tube yoke (2) next to the upper ball joint using a pry bar (1), Record the reading on the dial indicator.

  8.  
  9. Axial measurement for a total lower ball joint movement, If this reading is above 1.25 mm (0.050 in) then replacement of the lower ball joint is necessary (Refer to 02 - Front Suspension/Front/BALL JOINT, Suspension - Removal) .

  10.  

REMOVAL

REMOVAL

Special Tools: Click to display a list of tools used in this procedure

  1. Remove the hub/bearing (Refer to 02 - Front Suspension/Front/HUB AND BEARING - Removal) .

  2.  
  3. Remove the axle shaft from the axle (Refer to 03 - Differential and Driveline/Front Axle - 216FBI/SHAFT, Axle - Removal) 4X4 only.

  4.  
  5. Remove the steering knuckle (1) (Refer to 02 - Front Suspension/Front/KNUCKLE, Steering - Removal) .


  6.  
  7. Position special tool 9949 (RECEIVER) (4) and 8975-4 (DRIVER) (2) with tool C-4212F (PRESS)(1) as shown to remove lower ball stud .

  8.  

INSTALLATION

INSTALLATION

Special Tools: Click to display a list of tools used in this procedure

  1. Position special tool 9950 (DRIVER) (5) and 6289-12 (RECEIVER) (2) with C-4212F (PRESS) (1) as shown to install lower ball stud (4).

  2.  
  3. Install the axle shaft into the axle (Refer to 03 - Differential and Driveline/Front Axle - 216FBI/SHAFT, Axle - Installation) .

  4.  
  5. Install the hub/bearing (Refer to 02 - Front Suspension/Front/HUB AND BEARING - Installation) .

  6.  
  7. Install the steering knuckle (Refer to 02 - Front Suspension/Front/KNUCKLE, Steering - Installation) .

  8.