Upper Ball Joint

UPPER BALL JOINT

DESCRIPTION
The ball joint is pressed into the upper control arm and has a tapered stud for attachment to the steering knuckle. The ball joint stud is attached and locked into the steering knuckle using a special nut. The ball joint is a sealed-for-life type and requires no maintenance.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - UPPER BALL JOINT
1. Raise and support vehicle so that tires clear floor.
2. Push inward and pull outward at top of tire noting if any movement of ball joint occurs.
3. If movement is noted, replace upper control arm.

ALTERNATE METHOD
1. Raise and support vehicle.
2. Remove tire and wheel assembly.
3. Push inward and pull outward on neck of knuckle near ball joint while observing ball joint for movement. Holding a finger against knuckle and upper control arm while performing this helps to sense movement.
4. If movement is noted, replace upper control arm.