Prowler V6-3.5L VIN G (1999)
Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection
Lower Ball Joint
Front Suspension
GENERAL INFORMATION
The front lower ball joint used on this vehicle is designed to operate with no free play between the ball joint stud and ball joint socket. Ball joint
replacement is necessary if more than 0.51 mm (0.02 inch) lateral play of the ball joint stud exists. Refer to the following procedure to inspect the
lower ball joint for wear.
The lower ball joint is pressed into the front lower control arm but is not a replaceable component of the control arm. If during inspection, it is
determined that the lower ball joint flee play exceeds the specification, the lower control arm will need to be replaced as a complete assembly.
Rear Suspension
GENERAL INFORMATION
The rear lower ball joint used on this vehicle is designed to operate with no five play of the stud in the ball joint housing. Ball joint replacement is
necessary if more than 0.51 mm (0.02 inch) axial end play of the ball joint stud exists.
The rear lower hall joint is pressed into the lower control arm. If it is deter mined during the weal inspection procedure on the lower ball joint that
the ball joint is worn to a point requiring its replacement the complete lower control arm must be replaced. Do not attempt to replace only the ball
joint.
Over-Travel Inspection
OVER-TRAVEL INSPECTION
On the rear suspension of this vehicle there are no jounce stops for the suspension system other then the shock absorbers. Therefore, in the event of
a shock absorber mount failure, there is nothing to stop or limit the amount of jounce (upward) travel of the rear suspension. In this type of failure
the rear suspension would jounce (move upward) until stopped by the stud of the upper or lower ball joint hitting against the ball joint housing. If
this type of failure were to occur, the rear lower control arm must be replaced.
Front Suspension
GENERAL INFORMATION
The front lower ball joint used on this vehicle is designed to operate with no free play between the ball joint stud and ball joint socket. Ball joint
replacement is necessary if more than 0.51 mm (0.02 inch) lateral play of the ball joint stud exists. Refer to the following procedure to inspect the
lower ball joint for wear.
The lower ball joint is pressed into the front lower control arm but is not a replaceable component of the control arm. If during inspection, it is
determined that the lower ball joint flee play exceeds the specification, the lower control arm will need to be replaced as a complete assembly.
CAUTION: When raising the vehicle by the lower control arm using a floor jack, a protective pad must be used on the saddle of the jack. This is
required so the control arm does not get nicked, gouged, deformed or damaged in any other way by the floor jack.
WEAR INSPECTION PROCEDURE
1. Position a floor jack under the outer end of the front lower control arm. Carefully raise the vehicle so the front tire is just lightly contacting the
floor (vehicle weight relieved from the tire).
2. Have a helper grasp the tire at the bottom and apply an inward and outward force against the bottom of the tire. While the inward and outward
force is being applied against the tire, look for any movement between the lower ball joint and the steering knuckle.
3. If any lateral movement is evident at the lower ball joint, the lower control arm will need to be replaced.
NOTE: Repeat this procedure on the opposite side of the vehicle to inspect the remaining lower ball joint.
Rear Suspension
GENERAL INFORMATION
The rear lower ball joint used on this vehicle is designed to operate with no five play of the stud in the ball joint housing. Ball joint replacement is
necessary if more than 0.51 mm (0.02 inch) axial end play of the ball joint stud exists.
The rear lower hall joint is pressed into the lower control arm. If it is deter mined during the weal inspection procedure on the lower ball joint that
the ball joint is worn to a point requiring its replacement the complete lower control arm must be replaced. Do not attempt to replace only the ball
joint.
CAUTION: When raising the vehicle by the lower control arm using a floor jack, care must be used so control arm does not get nicked, gouged,
deformed or damaged in any way by the floor jack.
WEAR INSPECTION PROCEDURE
