Inspect the control arm balljoints for looseness whenever either is separated from the steering knuckle by attempting to turn the ballstud in its socket with your fingers; if loose or turnable, replace the balljoint. The balljoint removal/installation tool can be rented at most parts stores, or you can remove the control arm and take it to an automotive machine shop for replacement. To check upper balljoints, raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands under the frame rails, then place a floor jack under the lower control arm and raise it slightly. Attach a dial indicator to the upper suspension arm with the plunger touching the steering knuckle in line with the axle, and carefully pry between the two components while observing the dial indicator for movement; there should be no more than 0.079-inch deflection, and if exceeded, replace the upper arm. For upper balljoint replacement, the entire upper control arm must be replaced as the upper balljoint is not available separately. For lower balljoint checks, raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands, then place a floor jack under the lower control arm and raise it slightly. Attach a dial indicator to the lower control arm with the plunger against the steering knuckle in line with the axle, and carefully pry between the two components while observing the dial indicator; again, there should be no more than 0.079-inch deflection, and if exceeded, replace the balljoint. For off-vehicle replacement, remove the lower control arm, use a hammer and punch to knock the peened tabs inward before pressing the balljoint out, then press the new balljoint into the control arm, ensuring the press adapter only applies force to the flange of the balljoint, and crimp or stake it in place. The installation is the reverse of removal, and have the front end alignment checked and adjusted if necessary. For on-vehicle replacement on 4WD models, remove the driveaxle from the steering knuckle, separate the balljoint from the steering knuckle, lower the control arm enough for the balljoint removal tool to fit, and follow the procedure for using the removal tool. Press the old balljoint out and the new one in, ensuring proper force application, then crimp or stake it in place, with the remainder of the installation being the reverse of removal, followed by checking and adjusting the front end alignment if necessary.
