Thunderbird V8-4.6L VIN W (1997)
Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection
Ball Joint, Lower
Looseness Check
1. Raise the vehicle until the wheel is clear of the floor.
2. Support the front suspension lower arm so there is no load on the front suspension lower arm ball joint.
3. Try to rock the wheel top-to-bottom, if any wobble is felt, look for movement between the front suspension lower arm and front wheel spindle.
4. If the front suspension lower arm ball joint appears tight, check the front wheel bearing. Any movement present indicates front suspension lower
arm ball joint wear.
Radial Play
1. Raise vehicle and place jackstands under the front suspension lower arm so there is no load on the front suspension lower arm ball joint.
2. Attach Dial Indicator With Bracketry TOOL-4201-C or equivalent at the front suspension lower arm ball joint to be checked in such a way as to
measure the lateral movement between the front wheel spindle and the front suspension lower arm.
3. Grasp the tire at the top and bottom and slowly move the tire in and out. Note the reading (radial play) on the dial indicator. If the reading exceeds
0.4 mm (0.015 inch), replace the front suspension lower arm ball joint.
