Whats the check for worn ball joints on a '96?

[lone73]

Did a search and didn't find what I was looking for. Can anyone tell me what to look for to check ball joints? Aren't there some kinda' indicators on the bottoms or something?

I did push/pull on the top and bottom of the wheels. No movement at the top, about 1/8th to 3/16ths inch of movement at the bottom. I would think that if it were loose wheel bearings it would move at the top also so I'm thinking the lower joints are going out.

The car has 118K on it.
thanks
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[Ken]

Okay, if the ball joints on the 1996 model year are the same as the ones on the 1987 model year ...

SEAL INSPECTION
Ball joint seals should be carefully inspected for cuts or tears. Whenever cuts or tears are found, the ball joint MUST be replaced.

(Note: We're all guilty of letting those go when we find cuts and tears I think. I know I've got one or two that are torn and don't hold grease well. We just gotta keep an eye on them to make sure they stay full of grease. :L)

CHECKING BALL JOINTS FOR WEAR
Before checking ball joints, the wheel bearings must first be checked for proper adjustment.

Upper Ball Joint

1. Raise the car and position floor stands under the left and right lower control arm as near as possible to each lower ball joint. Car must be stable and should not rock on the floor stands.
2. Position dial indicator as shown against the wheel rim. (It'd help if you had a book with the figures depicting the instructions. Do yourself a favor and get yourself a Helms book.)
3. Grasp front wheel as shown (12 & 6 o'clock positions) and push in on bottom of tire while pulling out at the top. Read gauge, then reverse push-pull procedure. Horizontal deflection on dial indicator should not exceed 3.18 mm (0.125").
4. If dial indicator reading exceeds 3.18 mm (0.125") or if a ball stud has been disconnected from knuckle assembly and any looseness is detected or the stud can be twisted in its socket with your fingers, REPLACE BALL JOINT.

Lower Ball Joint
The lower ball joint has a VISUAL WEAR INDICATOR. Checking the condition of the ball joint is a simple procedure but must be followed accurately to prevent unnecessary ball joint replacement.

Seeing as how we don't have the figures to depict this inspection... When ball joint wear cause the shoulder of the WEAR INDICATOR to retreat below the surface of the mounting flange (?), replacement is required.

Inspection
Car must be supported by the wheels so that the weight of car will properly load the ball joints.

Oh, thanks for signing my guestbook Dave.

 

[lone73]

Thanks Ken !

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