GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Ball Joint Inspection

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis in Suspension General Diagnosis.

2

Clean the ball joint and inspect the seal for damage.

Is the ball joint seal damaged?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

3

Important: Remove tension from the ball joints.

Check the ball joint for horizontal looseness using the following procedure:

  1. Mount the J 8001 dial indicator to the arm housing the ball joint to be inspected.
  2. Position the J 8001 dial indicator mounted against the side of the ball joint stud.
  3. Move the wheel in and out in the direction of the arm while reading the dial indicator.

Does the dial indicator measure greater than the specified value?

3.18 mm (0.125 in)

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

Important: Remove tension from the ball joints.

Check the ball joint for vertical looseness using the following procedure:

  1. Mount the J 8001 dial indicator to the arm housing the ball joint to be inspected.
  2. Position the J 8001 dial indicator against the top of the ball joint stud.
  3. Move wheel up and down while reading the dial indicator.

Does the dial indicator measure greater than the specified value?

3.18 mm (0.125 in)

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Repair as required or replace the affected component. Refer to the affected components repair procedure for service.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 6

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6

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2