Ball Joints; Inspection - Ford Ranger Maintaince And Repair Manual

When fluid is seeping out of the shock absorber, it's time to replace it

Ball Joints

INSPECTION

1. Check and adjust the front wheel bearings. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Have a helper grasp the lower edge of the tire and move the wheel assembly in and out.
3. While the wheel is being moved, observe the lower spindle arm and the lower part of the axle jaw.
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4. A / in. (0.8mm) or greater movement between the lower part of the axle jaw and the lower spindle
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arm indicates that the lower ball joint must be replaced
5. To check the upper ball joints, while the wheel is being moved, observe the upper spindle arm and the
upper part of the axle jaw.
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6. A / in. (0.8mm) or greater movement between the upper part of the axle jaw and the upper spindle
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arm indicates that the upper ball joint must be replaced
Ball Joints
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
Checking the ball joints
Click to enlarge
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