F 450 2WD Super Duty V8-5.4L SOHC VIN L (2003)
Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection
Ball Joint Inspection
Ball Joint Inspection
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Prior to performing any inspection of the ball joints, inspect the front wheel bearings.
3. Position a safety stand beneath the front axle 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 axle. Any
movement at or exceeding the specification indicates a worn or damaged lower ball joint. Replace 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 axle. Movement
at or exceeding the specification indicates a worn or damaged upper ball joint. Replace the upper ball joint as necessary.
NOTE: To inspect the ball joints for binding (torque required to turn), carry out steps six through twelve.
6. Place the vehicle on the alignment rack with the front wheels on low friction turn plates.
