Diagnosis and testing

Lower ball joint

NOTE: If the ball joint is equipped with a lubrication fitting, grease the joint then road test the vehicle before performing test.

(1) Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor stands under both lower suspension arms as far outboard as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the stands to support some or all of the vehicle weight.

NOTE: The upper suspension arms must not contact the rebound bumpers.

(2) Remove the tire and wheel assemblies.

(3) Mount a dial indicator solidly to the underside of the lower suspension arm.

(4) Position indicator plunger against the bottom surface of the steering knuckle lower ball joint boss.

NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpendicular to the machined surface of the steering knuckle lower ball joint boss (Fig. 2).

(5) Position a pry bar over the top of the upper suspension arm and under the pivot bar of the upper suspension arm. Pry down on the upper suspension arm and then zero the dial indicator.

(6) Reposition the pry bar under the upper suspension arm and on top of the jounce/rebound bracket.

Pry up on the upper suspension arm and record the dial indicator reading.

(7) If the travel exceeds 1.52 mm (0.060 in.), replace the lower control arm.

Upper ball joint

(1) Position a floor jack under the lower suspension arm. Raise the wheel and allow the tire to lightly contact the floor (vehicle weight relieved from the tire).

Fig. 2 Lower Ball Joint Boss

1 - BALL JOINT BOSS

2 - STEERING KNUCKLE

3 - DIAL INDICATOR

(2) Mount a dial indicator solidly on the upper suspension arm.

(3) Position the indicator plunger against the back side of the upper ball joint boss of the steering knuckle (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3 Upper Ball Joint Boss

1 - DIAL INDICATOR

2 - BALL JOINT BOSS

(4) Grasp the top of the tire and pull outward, then zero the dial indicator.

(5) Grasp the top of the tire and push inward and record the dial indicator reading.

(6) If lateral movement is greater than 1.52 mm (0.060 in.), replace upper suspension arm.

Shock diagnosis

A knocking or rattling noise from a shock absorber may be caused by movement between mounting bushings and metal brackets or attaching components.

These noises can usually be stopped by tightening the attaching nuts. If the noise persists, inspect for damaged and worn bushings, and attaching components. Repair as necessary if any of these conditions exist.

A squeaking noise from the shock absorber may be caused by the hydraulic valving and may be intermittent.

This condition is not repairable and the shock absorber must be replaced.

The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjustable.

If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in an upright position and force the piston in and out of the cylinder four or five times. The action throughout each stroke should be smooth and even.

The shock absorber bushings do not require any type of lubrication. Do not attempt to stop bushing noise by lubricating them. Grease and mineral oilbase lubricants will deteriorate the bushing.