Constant Velocity Joint: Testing and Inspection

Running gear maintenance: Axle Joints/Drive shafts

Track rod joints: Check the play and dust bellows

NOTE:
- The rubber dust bellows and bellows on the steering gear and on the tie rods can be damaged by external influences, e.g. stone impact, or during assembly work!
- If a rubber dust bellows leaks, the joint or the tie rod must be replaced, because dirt or moisture entering will destroy the joint!

1. Check the play and dust bellows.
2. Check the function of the dust bellows, bellows and joints and ensure that they are free of leaks.

Axle joints: Check the play and dust bellows

1. Check play.
2. Visually inspect the dust bellows for damage.

NOTE:
- When doing so, the rubber dust bellows should be pressed down with the fingers in order to reveal hidden cracks!
- If a rubber dust bellow leaks, the corresponding joint or control arm must be replaced, because dirt or moisture entering will destroy the joint!

CAUTION: Danger of material damage if the vehicle is raised incorrectly or if the vehicle is driven incorrectly onto the lifting platform!
- Lift the vehicle only at the take-up points provided!
- Make sure the screw connections for the diagonal braces are accessible!
- When driving onto a platform lift, make sure that there is sufficient distance between the platform lift and the vehicle!
- In order to avoid damage to the side members and side member panels, the mounting plates of the platform lift must be raised!

3. Inspect the dust bellows of the axle joints (ball joints) on the suspension (front and rear) as follows:
- Put the vehicle onto a lifting platform with the steering lock disengaged.
- Perform a visual inspection after cleaning.

NOTE:
- In the vicinity of the brake cover panels, no visual inspection is possible in a small area!
- Check this area by touch!

The procedure for the front axle is as follows:
- Turn the front wheels as far as they will go
- Perform a visual inspection of the visible surfaces on the left and on the right
- After turning the front wheels to the other steering stop, check the other half of each rubber dust bellows

Drive shafts: Visual inspection of the boots
- Perform a visual inspection of the boots for leaks and damage.