Front Suspension & Wheel Alignment: Diagnosis RAM Pickup 2500

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL JOINT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Hoisting , Standard Procedure»(ref-457775-S03796115192012030200000) . NOTE: When using floor stands on aluminum control arms a wood block or similar should be placed between the stand and the control arm.
2. Place safety floor stands under both lower control arms as far outboard as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the stands to support some or all of the vehicle weight.
3. Mount a dial indicator solidly to the topside of the lower control arm. NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpendicular to the machined surface of the steering knuckle.
4. Position the indicator plunger against the bottom surface of the steering knuckle and then zero the dial indicator.
5. Position a pry bar under the tire assembly. Pry upwards on the tire assembly. NOTE: On the 4x4 replacement of the lower ball joint is not recommended. If the ball joint movement exceeds specifications, replacement of the lower control arm is necessary.
6. If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace the lower ball joint. For 4x2 , refer to «BALL JOINT, Suspension, Lower , Removal»(ref-457771-S38269734282012030200000) . For 4x4 , refer to «ARM, Lower Control , Removal»(ref-457771-S20699400632012030200000) .

Scheme 18

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Hoisting , Standard Procedure»(ref-457775-S03796115192012030200000) .
2. Remove the knuckle. Refer to «KNUCKLE, Steering , Removal»(ref-457771-S26010942512012030200000) . NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used on the threaded portions of the tool. This will increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper operation during the removal and installation process.
3. Press the ball joint from the lower control arm using Ball Joint Press (special tool #C-4212F, Press, Ball Joint) (PRESS) (1), Remover/Installer (special tool #8836-6, Remover, Bushing) (DRIVER) (2) and Ball Joint Remover/Installer (special tool #8698-2, Remover, Receiver Cup) (RECEIVER) (3).

Scheme 19

Note. Extreme pressure lubrication must be used on the threaded portions of the tool. This will increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper operation during the removal and installation process.

1. Install the ball joint (4) into the control arm (3) and press in using Ball Joint Press C-4212F (press) (1), Ball Joint Remover/Installer (special tool #8698-3, Remover/Installer) (driver) (2) and Ball Joint Remover/Installer (special tool #8698-1, Installer, Ball Joint) (receiver) (5).
2. Stake the ball joint flange in four evenly spaced places around the ball joint flange, using a punch and hammer.
3. Install the steering knuckle. Refer to «KNUCKLE, Steering , Installation»(ref-457771-S32131093912012030200000) .
4. Install the tie rod end into the steering knuckle. Refer to «END, Tie Rod , Installation»(ref-457772-S36762826272012030200000) or «END, Tie Rod, Link and Coil , Installation»(ref-457772-S09348378192012030200000) .
5. Install the brake caliper and rotor. Refer to «ROTOR, Brake , Installation»(ref-457773-S03930091312012030200000) .
6. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Wheels , Standard Procedure»(ref-457774-S22159730232012030200000) .
7. Check the vehicle ride height. Refer to «Wheel Alignment , Standard Procedure»(ref-457771-S15548608852012030200000) .
8. Perform a wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment , Standard Procedure»(ref-457771-S15548608852012030200000) .

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - UPPER BALL JOINT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION

1. Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor stands under both lower control arms as far outboard as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the stands to support some or all of the vehicle weight.
2. Remove the front tires. NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpendicular to the machined surface of the ball joint.
3. Mount a dial indicator solidly to the frame. NOTE: Use care not to pry or tear the ball joint boot (5), when checking the free play.
4. Position dial indicator plunger on the topside of the upper ball joint and then zero the dial indicator.
5. Position a pry bar between the steering knuckle and the upper control arm. Pry upwards on the upper control arm.
6. If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace the upper ball joint. Refer to «BALL JOINT, Suspension, Upper , Removal»(ref-457771-S02053533332012030200000) .
7. If the upper ball joint is within specs reinstall the front tires. Refer to «Wheels , Standard Procedure»(ref-457774-S22159730232012030200000) .

Scheme 20

1. Raise vehicle and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the tire and wheel.
3. Remove the upper ball joint retaining nut.
4. Separate the upper ball joint (4) from the knuckle (6) using Ball Joint Remover (special tool #9360, Remover, Ball Joint) (5).
5. Remove the wheel speed sensor wire from the upper control arm.
6. Move the knuckle out of the way for access to remove the ball joint.
7. Remove the ball joint boot. NOTE: It may be necessary to install a block of wood between the control arm and frame bracket to allow clearance for the ball joint press tool. NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used on the threaded portions of the tool. This will increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper operation during the removal and installation process.
8. Remove the ball joint (4) from the upper control arm (3) using Ball Joint Press (special tool #C-4212F, Press, Ball Joint) (1), Ball Joint Remover (special tool #9770-1, Receiver, Ball Joint) (2) and Ball Joint Remover (special tool #9770-2, Remover, Ball Joint) (5).

Scheme 21

Note. Extreme pressure lubrication must be used on the threaded portions of the tool. This will increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper operation during the removal and installation process.

1. Install the ball joint (3) into the upper control arm (4) and press in using Ball Joint Press (special tool #C-4212F, Press, Ball Joint) (1), Ball Joint Installer (special tool #9652, Remover/Installer, Ball Joint) (2) and Installer (special tool #8445-1, Installer, Cup) (5).
2. Install the upper ball joint into the knuckle.
3. Install the upper ball joint retaining nut and tighten to specifications. Refer to «SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-457771-S20789387792012030200000) .
4. Install the wheel speed sensor wire to the upper control arm.
5. Install the tire and wheel.
6. Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
7. Perform a wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment , Standard Procedure»(ref-457771-S15548608852012030200000) .

Scheme 22

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
3. Remove the brake caliper and rotor. Refer to «ROTOR, Brake , Removal»(ref-457773-S05897377922012030200000) . 1 - HUB/BEARING 2 - DUST SHIELD 3 - STEERING KNUCKLE 4 - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRE 5 - HUB/BEARING MOUNTING BOLT
4. Remove the ABS wheel speed sensor if equipped (4), Refer to «SENSOR, Wheel Speed, Front , Removal»(ref-457776-S19416339052012030200000) .
5. Remove the three hub/bearing mounting bolts (5) from the steering knuckle (3).
6. Slide the hub/bearing (1) out of the steering knuckle (3).
7. Remove the brake dust shield (2).

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SHOCK ABSORBER

A knocking or rattling noise from a shock absorber may be caused by movement between mounting bushings and metal brackets or attaching components. These noises can usually be stopped by tightening the attaching nuts. If the noise persists, inspect for damaged and worn bushings, and attaching components. Repair as necessary if any of these conditions exist.

A squeal noise from the shock absorber may be caused by the hydraulic valving and may be intermittent. This condition is not repairable and the shock absorber must be replaced.

A squeak or creak noise coming from the shock area may be related to any of the suspension components or mounts, but not necessarily the shock.

Note. When inspecting the shock absorber, do not clamp the body or the piston rod.

Note. Monotube shock absorber compression forces will be much higher than standard shock absorbers.

The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjustable. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber must be replaced. To check a shock absorber, grasp the tube and invert the shock so the piston rod touches the ground, then compress the shock four or five times. The action throughout each stroke should be smooth and even, and the piston rod should extend from the shock on its own.

The shock absorber bushings do not require any type of lubrication. Do not attempt to stop bushing noise by lubricating them. Grease and mineral oil-base lubricants will deteriorate the bushing.

Scheme 23

1. Raise and support vehicle.
2. Support the lower control arm outboard end.
3. Remove the upper shock absorber nut by using Strut Nut Wrench (special tool #9362, Wrench, Strut Nut) (1), retainer and grommet (2). If necessary, insert 11/32 socket though Wrench onto hex located on end of shock shaft to prevent shaft from turning.
4. Remove the lower bolts and remove the shock absorber.

Scheme 24

Scheme 25

Scheme 26

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Hoisting , Standard Procedure»(ref-457775-S03796115192012030200000) .
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Support the lower control arm outboard end.
4. Remove the three upper shock nuts (1).
5. Remove the lower shock bolt (6) and nut.
6. Remove the caliper adapter with the caliper. Refer to «ADAPTER, Disc Brake Caliper , Removal»(ref-457773-S33358142482012030200000) .
7. Remove the rotor. Refer to «ROTOR, Brake , Removal»(ref-457773-S05897377922012030200000) .
8. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor wiring from the knuckle and upper control arm.
9. Remove the upper ball joint retaining nut and separate the upper ball joint (4) from the knuckle (6) using Ball Joint Remover (special tool #9360, Remover, Ball Joint) (5).
10. Remove the stabilizer link lower nut (2).
11. Remove the axle hub nut.
12. Remove the shock assembly (1).

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL JOINT - LINK AND COIL

To properly diagnose the lower ball joint two readings from the dial indicator are necessary, The two readings must be added together to find a total ball joint movement as identified in the steps below.

Note. All views typical.

Scheme 27

Scheme 28

Scheme 29

Scheme 30

1. Raise and support the vehicle. 1 - STEERING KNUCKLE 2 - DIAL INDICATOR
2. Attach a dial indicator (2) with the indicator resting on the flat part of the steering knuckle (1) by the lower ball stud.
3. Set the dial indicator (2) to zero. 1 - PRY BAR 2 - UPPER BALL JOINT 3 - GREASE SEAL 4 - STEERING KNUCKLE NOTE: Use care not to damage the upper ball joint grease seal (3).
4. Pry between the knuckle (4) and the axle tube yoke next to the upper ball joint (2), Record the reading on the dial indicator. This will be the first reading . 1 - PRY BAR 2 - DIAL INDICATOR 3 - JACK STAND
5. Set the dial indicator (2) back to zero.
6. Set up a jack stand (3) and use a long pry bar (1) to lift the knuckle assembly. 1 - PRY BAR 2 - UPPER BALL JOINT 3 - AXLE YOKE 4 - GREASE SEAL 5 - STEERING KNUCKLE
7. Pry upwards on the flat part of the steering knuckle (5) next to the ball joint stud and nut (2) using the jack stand as leverage. Record the reading on the dial indicator. This will be the second reading .
8. Add the two reading together for a total lower ball joint movement, If this reading is above 2.29 mm (0.090 in) then replacement of the lower ball joint is necessary. Refer to «BALL JOINT, Suspension, Lower , Removal»(ref-457771-S15441982072012030200000) .

Scheme 31

Scheme 32

1. Remove the steering knuckle. Refer to «KNUCKLE, Steering , Removal»(ref-457771-S41301472402012030200000) .
2. Remove the axle shaft from the axle. Refer to appropriate DRIVELINE/AXLES article.
3. Remove lower snap ring from the lower ball joint. 1 - SPECIAL TOOL C4212F 2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8975-2 3 - KNUCKLE 4 - SPECIAL TOOL 8975-4
4. Position Ball Joint Remover/Installer (special tool #8975-2, Cup, Remover) (RECEIVER) (2) and Ball Joint Remover/Installer (special tool #8975-4, Remover, Ball Joint) (DRIVER) (4) with Ball Joint Press (special tool #C-4212F, Press, Ball Joint) (1) as shown in illustration to remove lower ball stud.

Scheme 33

1. Remove the axle shaft from the axle.
2. Remove the steering knuckle. Refer to «KNUCKLE, Steering , Removal»(ref-457771-S41301472402012030200000) .
3. Position special tool (special tool #9859-4, Cup, Receiver) (RECEIVER) (4) and (special tool #9859-3, Disc, Ball Joint Remover) (DRIVER) (2) with tool (special tool #C-4212F, Press, Ball Joint) (PRESS) (1) shown in illustration to remove lower ball stud.

Scheme 34

1. Position Ball Joint Remover/Installer (special tool #8975-1, Installer, Ball Joint) (DRIVER) (2) and Ball Joint Remover/Installer (special tool #8975-3, Cup, Remover) (RECEIVER) (5) with Ball Joint Press (special tool #C-4212F, Press, Ball Joint) (1) as shown in illustration to install lower ball stud (3).
2. Install the axle shaft into the axle. Refer to appropriate DRIVELINE/AXLES article.
3. Install the steering knuckle. Refer to «KNUCKLE, Steering , Installation»(ref-457771-S37549024682012030200000) .

Scheme 35

1. Position special tool (special tool #9859-1, Cup, Installation) (DRIVER) (5) and (special tool #9859-2, Base, Pressing) (RECEIVER) (2) with (special tool #C-4212F, Press, Ball Joint) (PRESS) (1) as shown in illustration to install lower ball stud (4).
2. Install the steering knuckle. Refer to «KNUCKLE, Steering , Installation»(ref-457771-S37549024682012030200000) .
3. Install the axle shaft into the axle.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - UPPER BALL JOINT - LINK AND COIL

To properly diagnose the upper ball joint two readings from the dial indicator are necessary, The two readings must be added together to find a total ball joint movement as identified in the steps below.

Scheme 36

1. Raise and support the vehicle. NOTE: All views typical. 1 - UPPER BALL JOINT 2 - AXLE YOKE 3 - DIAL INDICATOR 4 - STEERING KNUCKLE FLAT
2. Attach a dial indicator (3) with the indicator resting on either the front or back sides of the steering knuckle (4) as close to the upper ball joint (1) as possible.
3. Set the dial indicator (3) to zero.
4. Grab the tire by pushing in on the top of the tire and pulling out on the bottom of the tire. Record the reading on the dial indicator (3). This will be the first reading .
5. Set the dial indicator (3) back to zero.
6. Grab the tire by pulling in on the top of the tire and pushing out on the bottom of the tire. Record the reading on the dial indicator (3). This will be the second reading .
7. Add the two readings together for a total upper ball joint movement. If this reading is above 1.52 mm (0.060 in) then replacement of the upper ball joint is necessary. Refer to «BALL JOINT, Suspension, Upper , Removal»(ref-457771-S37471480852012030200000) .

Scheme 37

1. Remove the steering knuckle. Refer to «KNUCKLE, Steering , Removal»(ref-457771-S41301472402012030200000) .
2. Remove the axle shaft from the axle. Refer to appropriate DRIVELINE/AXLES article.
3. Position Ball Joint Installer (special tool #6761, Installer, Ball Joint) (RECEIVER) (2) and Remover/ Installer (special tool #8445-3, Remover, Ball Joint) (DRIVER) (4) with Ball Joint Press (special tool #C-4212F, Press, Ball Joint) (1) as shown in illustration to remove upper ball stud.