In the context of vehicle inspection, a ball joint is rejected based on what criteria?

A ball joint is a critical component of a vehicle's suspension system, and its integrity is vital for proper steering and handling. The rejection of a ball joint during inspection is based on exceeding the play specification. This means that if the ball joint has excessive wear or movement beyond the manufacturer's specified limits, it poses a risk to safe driving. Excessive play can lead to instability in steering, which can result in loss of control while driving.

In inspection practices, measuring the movement of the ball joint is a fundamental step. If the play is beyond acceptable limits, it indicates that the joint may fail under stress, warranting rejection to ensure vehicle safety. Thus, the criterion of exceeding play specification directly correlates to the function and reliability of the vehicle's suspension system.