Caprice V8-305 5.0L (1986)
Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection
Upper
UPPER BALL JOINT
1.
Raise front of vehicle with jacks placed between the coil spring pocket and ball joint of lower control arm.
2.
Shake top of wheel in and out. Observe steering knuckle for any movement relative to the control arm.
3.
Replace upper ball joint if looseness is indicated.
Fig. 4 Lower ball joint wear indicator.
LOWER BALL JOINT
Raise car and support lower control arm so spring is compressed in the same manner as if the wheels were on the ground and check axial (up and
down) play at ball joint. If play exceeds 1/8 inch, replace the joint. Another indication of lower ball joint excessive wear is when difficulty is
experienced when lubricating the joint. If the liner has worn to the point where the lubrication grooves in the liner have been worn away, then abnormal
pressure is required to force lubricant through the joint. Should this condition be evident, replace both lower ball joints. All models except 1982
Corvette and Camaro have a wear indicator built into the lower ball joint, Fig. 4. When inspecting wear indicator, vehicle must be supported normally on
wheels to properly load ball joint.
