For 1990-2009 cars

1. Raise and support the front of the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

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:

• | Looseness

• | Horizontal movement of the steering knuckle in relation to the control arm.

• | Movement of the stud end

• | Movement of the castellated nut

• | Holes

• | Cuts

• | Wear

• | Damage

Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .