Hi,
Was wondering if someone could tell me if I am using my ball joint checking gauge correctly on my 85 TA. I have the wrench part clamped to the spindle but I am not sure the proper place to put the dial indicator (which is attached to a movable arm to the wrench part). Where should I place it to test lateral and radial movement?

thanks

 

Somewhere on the control arm.

The ball joint is half pressed into the CA, and half bolted into the spindle. You're watching for movement between the spindle half and the CA half of it.

Easiest way to check those is to jack the car up by the control arm, just enough to get the wheel to clear the ground far enough to get a 2x4 or the like under it; and use that as a lever to lift the wheel, spindle, and strut. Watch the ball joint right below the spindle where the nut is. Some BJs have the grease fitting installed such that it moves in such a way that you can see it. However far it moves, that's how much play you've got. Eyeball is usually entirely enough precision.

If it's got more than about 1/16" of play, it's getting old. More than 1/8", don't let the car back down without replacing it.