Crown Victoria V8-4.6L Flex Fuel (2008)
Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection
Ball Joint Inspection
WARNING: Shut off the electrical power to the air suspension system prior to hoisting or jacking an air suspension equipped vehicle. Failure
to do so may result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs, which may result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.
Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.
WARNING: Before servicing a vehicle equipped with a fire suppression system, depower the system by following the procedure in Fire
Suppression System. Failure to follow the instructions may result in serious personal injury.
1. If equipped, turn the air suspension service switch to the OFF position.
2. Prior to inspecting the ball joints for wear, inspect the wheel bearings. Install new wheel bearings as necessary.
3. NOTE: In order to get accurate measurements, the suspension must be in full rebound with the weight of the vehicle supported by the frame.
Raise and support the vehicle by the frame to allow the wheels to hang in the rebound position.
4. Inspect the ball joint and ball joint boot for damage.
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If the ball joint or ball joint boot is damaged, install a new ball joint as necessary.
NOTE: Carry out Steps 5-7 to inspect the lower ball joint. Carry out Steps 8-10 to inspect the upper ball joint.
5. CAUTION: Do not use any tools or equipment to move the wheel and tire assembly or suspension components while checking for relative
movement. Suspension damage may occur. The use of tools or equipment will also create relative movement that may not exists when
using hand force. Relative movement must be measured using hand force only.
NOTE: The weight of the wheel and tire assembly must be overcome to get an accurate measurement on the dial indicator.
Inspect the ball joint for relative movement by alternately pulling downward and pushing upward on the wheel and tire assembly by hand. Note
any relative vertical movement between the wheel knuckle and lower arm at the lower ball joint
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If relative movement is not felt or seen, the ball joint is OK. Do not install a new ball joint.
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If relative movement is found, continue with Step 6.
6. NOTE: In order to obtain an accurate measurement, the dial indicator should be aligned as close as possible with the vertical axis (center line) of
the ball joint.
To measure ball joint deflection, attach a suitable dial indicator with a flexible arm between the lower control arm and the wheel knuckle or ball
joint stud.
