Joe K
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/16/2003
09:21:01
|  RE: How can I check Ball Joints muself?
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The procedure to check ball joints is in the service manual. You need a dial indicator, a flexible arm for the indicator, and a clamp or magnetic base to hold the flexible arm to the vehicle frame. This procedure is from memory, is for a 4x4, and I may have the set-ups backwards, but the maximum allowable movement numbers stick in my brain. CHECK THE SERVICE MANUAL.
You check for vertical movement of the lower ball joint. Set up the indicator to run on the ball joint shaft boss that is integral with the steering knuckle. Jack the vehicle up until the tire clears the ground, then set a stand up under the lower arm. Don't let the rebound bumper contact the arm. Pry the tire down, zero the indicator, then pry the tire up from underneath. Max allowable movement (vertical) is 0.060.
You check for horizontal movement of the upper ball joint by setting up on the upper ball joint boss on the steering knuckle. Jack up the front end. Put stands under the lower arms. Pull the top of the tire out, zero the indicator, push the top of the tire inwards. Max allowable movement is 0.060 inches.
Movement beyond 0.060 means replace the joints.
Now, if they are real bad, you don't need the dial indicator. Just raise the vehicle until the tire is off the floor and perform the same tests as above. If there is discernable 'looseness' it is likely that the ball joints are shot. The problem with this 'informal' test is that you don't know if you are testing just the ball joints or other parts of the suspension. There are rubber gromets at the inboard end of the lower arm that wear also and you could be getting movement from the gromets rather than from the joints.
Good luck!
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