Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 69

2 - 34 FRONT - LINK/COIL
LOWER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL
JOINT
To properly diagnose the lower ball joint two read-
ings from the dial indicator are necessary, The two
readings must be added together to find a total ball
joint movement as identified in the steps below.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Attach a dial indicator with the indicator rest-
ing on the flat part of the steering knuckle by the
lower ball stud (Fig. 11).
(3) Set the dial indicator to zero.
Fig. 11 DIAL INDICATOR POSITION
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - DIAL INDICATOR
NOTE: Use care not to damage the upper ball joint
grease seal.
(4) Pry between the knuckle and the axle tube
yoke next to the upper ball joint, Record the reading
on the dial indicator This will be the first reading
(Fig. 12).
(5) Set the dial indicator back to zero.
(6) Set up a jackstand and use a long prybar to lift
the knuckle assembly (Fig. 13), pry upwards on the
flat part of the steering knuckle next to the ball joint
stud and nut (Fig. 14) using the jackstand as lever-
age. Record the reading on the dial indicator This
will be the second reading.
Fig. 12 FIRST READING
1 - PRY BAR
2 - UPPER BALL JOINT
3 - GEASE SEAL
4 - STEERING KNUCKLE
Fig. 13 SECOND READING
1 - PRY BAR
2 - DIAL INDICATOR
3 - JACK STAND
(7) Add the two reading together for a total lower
ball joint movement, If this reading is above 2.29 mm
(0.090 in) then replacement of the lower ball joint is
necessary (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/
LOWER BALL JOINT - REMOVAL).
DR