Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: Ball Joint Inspection

Caution:

Refer to Vehicle Lifting and Jacking Caution.

1. Raise the front of the vehicle to allow the front suspension 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. Look for any horizontal movement of the knuckle relative to the control arm.
5. Ball joints must be replaced under the following conditions:

• The joint is loose.
• The ball seal is cut.
• The ball stud is disconnected from the knuckle.
• The ball stud is loose at the knuckle.
• The ball stud can be twisted in its socket with finger pressure.

Ball Stud Inspection

Make sure to check the tightness of the ball stud in the knuckle boss during each inspection of the ball joint. One way to inspect the ball stud for wear is to shake the wheel and feel for movement of the stud end or the nut at the steering knuckle.

Another way to inspect the ball stud for wear is to check the fastener torque at the nut. A loose nut can indicate a stressed stud or a hole in the knuckle boss.

Worn or damaged ball joints and knuckles must be replaced.