Ball Joint Wear Check (1990 Only)

Figure 14:

BALL JOINT WEAR CHECK (1990 ONLY)

The following checking procedures apply to 1990 K Model upper and lower ball joints and 1990 C Model upper ball joints only. (1990 C Models have greaseable lower ball joints).

1990 K MODEL LOWER

- Be sure vehicle rests on a level surface.

- Raise and support front of vehicle with suitable safety stands. Support the lower control arm with a floor stand or jack as far outboard as possible.

FIGURE 15:

- The vehicle must be stable and should not rock on floor stands.

- If vehicle is equipped with aluminum wheels it may be necessary to first remove wheel.

Check the ball joints for vertical looseness:

- With vehicle on the jack stands, place dial indicator against spindle to show vertical movement (Figure 15).

- Pry between lower control arm and outer race while reading dial indicator. This will show vertical looseness in ball joints (Figure 15).

- If dial indicator reading is more than 1 mm (0.040 inch), replace ball joint.

NOTICE: Do not pry between lower arm and drive axle seal or in such a manner that ball joint seal is contacted. Damage to the seal will result (4WD).

1990 C AND K MODEL UPPER

- Be sure vehicle rests on a level surface.

Figure 14:

BALL JOINT WEAR CHECK (1990 ONLY) - Con't

1990 C AND K MODEL UPPER (Con't)

- Raise and support front of vehicle with suitable safety stands. Support the lower control arm with a floor stand or jack as far outboard as possible.

- The vehicle must be stable and should not rock on the floor stands.

- If the vehicle is equipped with aluminum wheels it may be necessary to first remove the wheel.

FIGURE 16:

Check the ball joints for vertical looseness:

- With front of vehicle supported, position dial indicator with magnetic base on the frame and measurement needle on the top of the upper ball joint or control arm (figure 16).

Figure 17:

- With a pry bar, pry between the upper control arm and steering knuckle while observing the dial indicator (figure 17).

- If the reading is more than 1 mm (0.040 inch) replace the ball joint.

NOTICE: Do not pry in such a manner that the ball jolnt seal is contacted. Damage to the seal will result.