Prowler V6-3.5L VIN G (2002)
Ball Joint: Description and Operation
Front
Lower Ball Joint
LOWER BALL JOINT
DESCRIPTION
The lower ball joint used on this vehicle is pressed into the lower control arm and uses a tapered stud for attachment of the ball joint to the steering
knuckle. The tapered stud of the ball joint is attached to the steering knuckle using a nut specially designed for this application. The ball joint nut is
designed to draw the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle as the nut is threaded onto the ball joint stud. This is accomplished by the plastic skirt on
the bottom of the attaching nut. This keeps the ball joint stud from rotating when tightening and torquing the ball joint to steering knuckle attaching
nut. Due to the lower control arm being made of aluminum and the ball joint being made of steel (dissimilar metals), corrosion may occur between the
pieces. For this reason, the lower ball joint has a corrosion preventative coating applied to it. Neither the ball joint nor the (grease) seal boot used on
the ball joint are replaceable. If a torn seal boot is noticed when servicing the vehicle or the seal boot is torn during servicing of the vehicle, the lower
control arm will need to be replaced.
OPERATION
The ball joint is a pivotal joint on the lower control arm that allows the knuckle to move and turn with ease.
Upper Ball Joint
UPPER BALL JOINT
DESCRIPTION