6-23. UPPER BALL JOINT MAINTENANCE
This task covers:
a. Inspection
c.
Installation
b. Removal
INITIAL SETUP:
Tools
General mechanic’s tool kit:
automotive (Appendix B, Item 1)
Maintenance and repair shop equipment:
automotive (Appendix B, Item 2)
Special Tools
Socket adapter (Appendix B, Item 135)
Crowfoot, 15/16 in. (Appendix B, Item 140)
Materials/Parts
Cotter pin (Appendix G, Item 34)
Four locknuts (Appendix G, Item 116)
Personnel Required
One mechanic
One assistant
Manual References
TM 9-2320-387-10
TM 9-2320-387-24P
Maintenance Level
Unit
1.
Chock rear wheels.
2.
Raise and support front wheels 2 in. (5.1 cm) off ground.
NOTE
If boot is ripped or torn, upper ball joint is unserviceable.
3.
Visually inspect ball joint boot (7), and replace upper ball joint (2) if boot is ripped or torn.
4.
Grasp top of tire and attempt to move tire in and out. Observe upper control arm (1) and gear
hub (3) where upper ball joint (2) is mounted. If lateral movement is observed, upper
ball joint (2) may be worn.
5. Remove wheel (para. 8-3).
6.
Remove cotter pin (5) and slotted nut (4) from upper ball joint stud (6). Discard cotter pin (5).
7.
Separate upper control arm (1) from geared hub (3) at upper ball joint (2) end and push geared
hub (3) to one side.
8.
Install slotted nut (4) on threaded end of upper ball joint stud (6) until it bottoms out on taper of
upper ball joint (2).
9.
Using crowfoot and adapter, tighten slotted nut (4) and observe torque reading. If torque reading is
below 20 lb-in. (2.3 N•m), upper ball joint (2) is unserviceable and must be replaced. Remove slotted
nut (4), and go to task b.
10.
If torque reading is above 20 lb-in. (2.3 N•m), upper ball joint (2) is serviceable. Go to task c.
a. Inspection
TM 9-2320-387-24-1
6-52
Change 1
