Front Lower Link

FRONT LOWER LINK

Removal and Installation

REMOVAL
1. Remove the wheel and tire assembly using power tool.
2. Use CONSULT-II "EXHAUST SOLENOID" active test to release the air pressure from the rear load leveling air suspension system.





3. Remove the shock absorber lower end bolt.
4. Remove the adjusting bolt and nut, and the bolt and nut, from the front lower link and rear suspension member using power tool.





5. Remove the front lower link pinch bolt and nut on the knuckle side using power tool.
6. Disconnect the front lower link from the knuckle using a soft hammer.

CAUTION: Do not damage the ball joint with the soft hammer.

7. Remove the front lower link.

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL
^ Check the front lower link and bushing for any deformation, crack, or damage. Replace if necessary.
^ Check the rubber bushing for damage, cracks and deformation. Replace the front lower link and bushing if necessary.
^ Before checking, turn the ball joint at least 10 revolutions so that the ball joint is property broken in.





^ Check the ball joint. Replace the front lower link if any of the following conditions exist:
- Ball stud is worn.
- Joint is hard to swing.
- Play in axial direction is excessive.
Swinging force "A": Refer to "Ball Joint".
Turning force "B": Refer to "Ball Joint".
Vertical end play "C": Refer to "Ball Joint".

INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
^ Tighten the nuts and bolts to specification.
^ Perform the final tightening of the nuts and bolts for the links (rubber bushing) under unladen condition (unladen condition means that the fuel tank, engine coolant and lubricants are at the full specification, and the spare tire, jack, hand tools, and mats are in their designated positions) with the tires on level ground.
^ Check the wheel alignment.