G 20 Van V8-379 6.2L DSL VIN C FI (1992)
Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection
Lower
UPPER
The upper ball joint is spring loaded in its socket. This minimizes looseness at this point and compensates for normal wear. If upper stud has any
perceptible lateral shake, or if it can be manually twisted in its socket, the upper ball joint should be replaced.
Fig. 5 Checking lower ball joint for wear
LOWER
Lower ball joints are a loose fit when not connected to the steering knuckle. Wear may be checked without disassembling the ball stud as follows:
1.
Support weight of control arms at wheel hub and drum.
2.
Measure distance between tip of ball stud and tip of grease fitting below ball joint, Fig. 5.
3.
Move support to control arm to allow wheel hub and drum to hang free. Measure distance as in Step 2. If difference in measurements exceeds 1/16
inch for Caballero and El Camino and 3/32 inch for all other models, ball joint is worn and should be replaced.
