Figure 8-18.A dial indicator mounted to measure the
amount of play in a ball joint.
ball joint. The ball joint may be pressed, riveted,
bolted, or screwed into the control arm. If the ball joint
is riveted to the control arm, replace the rivets with
For exact ball joint removal and
installation procedures, consult the manu-
facturers service manual.
Shock Absorber Service
Worn shock absorbers will cause the vehicle to
ride poorly on rough roads. When the tire strikes a
bump, a bad shock will not dampen spring oscillations.
The suspension system will continue to rebound and
bounce. This move is then transferred to the frame, the
body, and the passenger compartment.
Loose or damaged shocks produce a loud clanking
or banging sound. The rapid up-and-down movement
of the suspension can hammer the loose shock
absorber against the body, the shock tower, or the
To check shock absorber condition, locate any
problems with a bounce test and a visual inspection. To
perform a shock absorber bounce test, simply push up
and down on each corner of the vehicle body. Then
release the body and count the number of times the
vehicle moves up and down. Generally a GOOD shock
absorber should stop movement in two to three
rebounds. A BAD shock absorber will let the body
bounce over three times.
Visually inspect the shock absorbers for any signs
of leakage (oily wetness) and damage. Also, check the
bushing on each end of the shock for being smashed or
split. Make sure that the shock absorber fasteners are
tight. When shock absorber replacement is required,
ALWAYS replace them as a pair, even if but one is
defective. This action ensures the riding equilibrium of
For instructions on removal and
installation of shock absorbers, refer to the
manufacturers service manual.
With many suspension systems, you must
place jack stands or lift devices under the
control arms or axle when replacing the shock
absorbers. This will keep the control arms or
axle from flying downward when the shock is
The most common trouble with a strut type
suspension is worn shock absorbers. Just like
conventional shock absorbers, the pistons and
cylinders inside the struts can begin to leak. This
reduces the dampening action and the vehicle rides
poorly. As with the conventional shock absorber when
a strut shock absorber leaks, it must be replaced, and
ALWAYS as a pair.
Basically, strut removal involves unbolting the
steering knuckle (front suspension) or bearing support
(rear suspension), any brake lines, and the upper strut
assembly-to-body fasteners. Remove the strut
assembly (coil spring and shock) as a single unit.
Do NOT remove the nut on the end of the
shock rod or the unit can fly apart.
A strut spring compressor is required to remove
the coil spring from the strut. After the coil spring is
compressed, remove the upper damper assembly. With
the upper damper assembly removed, release the
tension on the coil spring and lift the spring off the
strut. Inspect all parts closely for damage.