Ball Joint: Service and Repair

Ball Joint, Checking

Perform the Following Work:

• The vehicle must be raised to perform the test.

Vehicles with an Air Spring Shock Absorber

- Activate the vehicle lift mode and place the vehicle on the lifting platform. Refer to => [ Vehicle Lift Mode ] Description and Operation.

Continuation for All Vehicles

Axial Play, Checking






- Pull the wheel down forcefully in the - direction of the arrow - and raise it up again.

Radial Clearance, Checking






- Straighten wheels/steering.

- Hold the top and bottom of the wheel and tilt it in the direction indicated by the - arrow -.

- Turn the wheels/steering to the left and repeat the test.

- Turn the wheels/steering to the right and repeat the test.

• There should not be any noticeable or visible "play" in either of the two checks.

• Make allowance for any wheel bearing play or "play" in the upper spring shock absorber mount.

• Do not use any other testing methods because the ball joint could be damaged.