FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Ball Joint, Checking






Ball Joint, Checking

Axial play, checking

- Pull control arm firmly downward in direction of - arrow - and press back up again.





Radial clearance, checking

- Press wheel firmly in and out at bottom in direction of - arrow -.





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

Observe lower ball joint while performing checks.

Make allowance for any wheel bearing play or play in strut mounting at top.

Check rubber boot for damage, replace lower ball joint, if necessary.