1. Position a floor jack under the right side lower suspension arm. 2. Raise the wheel and allow the tire to lightly contact the floor (vehicle weight relieved from the tire). 3. Mount a dial indicator (Special Tool C3339 or equivalent) solidly on the upper suspension arm (Fig. 1 ). Fig. 1: Right Side View Of Suspension (Wheel/Tire Removed For Clarity) 4. Position the dial indicator plunger against the back side of the steering knuckle boss for the upper ball joint (Fig. 1 ). 5. Zero the dial indicator while pulling outward on the top of the tire. 6. While an assistant watches the dial indicator gauge, grasp the top of the tire and push inward. Record the dial indicator reading observed from the full outward to full inward position. 7. Repeat Step #1 through Step #6 on the left side upper ball joint.
When both the left and the right upper ball joints have been inspected, proceed to Step #8. 8. Based on the results recorded in Step #6: a. If the lateral movement on both upper ball joints is less than 0.060 in. (1.52 mm), no further action is required. Remove the dial indicator, lower the wheel and return the vehicle to the owner. b. If the lateral movement on either of the upper ball joints is greater than 0.060 in. (1.52 mm), replace both upper ball joints as described in the Repair Procedure.
2000 Dodge Dakota UPPER BALL JOINT DIAGNOSIS download
