normspanners
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PS a lot of ball joint have springs in them, if you put enough force on them they will show movement, which might seem excessive, there has been times were this had to be made a special notice in the mot guide because cars were being failed with perfectly acceptable amounts of play, and they had that play from new. What testers where doing was overloading the springs with massive leavers or testing the joint when at an angle ie jacked up and not in its normal running position.a little quote i found to help explain
another bit of light reading regarding steering pull (note the lack of instances of the tracking being out , being the prime cause) though wear in joints, will cause ityes.
It says basically the right things and saves me typing for hours
http://www.aa1car.com/library/steerpul.htm
The wheel should be pushed in and out by hand to check sideways play, and lifted with no more than 25 lbs. of force to check vertical play. Many joints allow up to .250 in. of sideways (radial) play, but some allow no play or only .015 in. of play. Always refer to the vehicle manufacturer's specs.
Vertical play is measured with the dial indicator positioned against the knuckle stud nut (Ford & GM) or the joint housing (Chrysler). A joint that has more than .050 in. of vertical play doesn't necessary require replacement because the specs range from zero play to as much as .125 inch of play.
The most common mistake that's made here is to use too much pressure on a pry bar or to insert a pry bar between the control arm and knuckle rather than under the wheel. Pry hard enough and any joint may appear to be bad.
another bit of light reading regarding steering pull (note the lack of instances of the tracking being out , being the prime cause) though wear in joints, will cause ityes.
It says basically the right things and saves me typing for hours
http://www.aa1car.com/library/steerpul.htm
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