Explorer Sport Trac 4WD V6-4.0L VIN K Flex Fuel (2004)
Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection
Ball Joint Inspection
Ball Joint Inspection
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Prior to carrying out any inspection of the ball joints, inspect the front wheel bearings.
3. Position a safety stand beneath the front suspension lower arm to be tested.
4. While an assistant pulls and pushes the bottom of the tire, observe the relative movement between the lower spindle arm and the front suspension
lower arm ball joint. Any movement at or exceeding the specification indicates a worn or damaged lower ball joint. Install a new ball joint as
necessary.
5. While an assistant pulls and pushes the top of the tire, observe the relative movement between the upper spindle arm and the front suspension
upper ball joint. Movement at or exceeding the specification indicates a worn or damaged upper ball joint or loose pinch bolt joint. Tighten pinch
bolt and nut as necessary. Install a new upper ball joint as necessary.
