Prizm L4-108 1.8L DOHC VIN 8 MFI (1998)
Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection
Ball Joint Wear Check
INSPECTION PROCEDURE
1. Raise and support the front of the vehicle. Allow the front tires and wheels to hang free.
2. Grasp the tire at the top and the bottom.
3. Move the top of the tire in an in-and-out motion.
4. Inspect for any horizontal movement of the steering knuckle in relation to the control arm.
5. Inspect for movement of the stud end or castellated nut at the knuckle boss.
6. Inspect the fastener torque at the castellated nut for looseness. A loose nut can indicate a bent stud or a hole in the knuckle boss.
7. Inspect the ball joint seal for cuts.
8. Inspect the ball stud for looseness by attempting to twist the ball stud in the socket using finger pressure.
Replace the ball joints if any of the following conditions are discovered:
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Looseness
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Horizontal movement of the steering knuckle in relation to the control arm.
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Movement of the stud end
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Movement of the castellated nut
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Holes
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Cuts
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Wear
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Damage
If the vehicle has Antilock Brakes, refer to LOWER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT (ABS EQUIPPED VEHICLES).
If the vehicle does not have Antilock Brakes, refer to LOWER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT (STANDARD BRAKE EQUIPPED).
