Ball Joint Inspection

Ball Joint Inspection

1. Remove the front lower ball joint. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement (Service and Repair).
2. Clamp the ball joint in a soft-jawed vise.




3. Inspect the movement of the ball joint by moving the ball joint back and forth 5 times.
4. Install a new nut on the stud.
5. Use a beam type torque wrench in order to turn the nut continuously for one turn every 3 to 5 seconds.
6. Take the torque reading on the fifth turn.

The reading should be between 0.98 N.m (8.674 lb in) and 4.9 N.m (43.37 lb in).

7. If the movement of the ball joint is not within the specification, replace the ball joint. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement (Service and Repair).