Front Knuckle Ball Joint Inspection
1. Vehicle - Lift

Raise and support the vehicle.

2. Lower Arm Ball Joint - Inspect
1.
Check all bolts, nuts, and bushings on the suspension components, and make sure that there is no looseness, deterioration, and damage.
2.
Measure the gap between the lower arm (A) and the knuckle (B).
3.
Record the measured gap.
4.
Position a jack stand (A) about 305 mm (12.01 in) away from the front wheel.
5.
Place a wood block (B) under the tire as shown.
6.
Have an assistant apply downward pressure on the wood block to raise the wheel (You only have to raise the weight of the wheel and knuckle assembly to fully extend the ball joint).
7.
Measure the gap between the lower arm (A) and the knuckle (B) while the ball joint is being extended.
8.
Record the measured gap.
NOTE: Measure the same point as step 3.
9.
Compare gap measured in step 3 and step 8.
Maximum difference: 0.2 mm (0.008 in)
If the difference is more than 0.2 mm (0.008 in), replace the knuckle ball joint.
If the difference is less than 0.2 mm (0.008 in), the knuckle ball joint is OK.