Steering/Suspension - Ball Joint Inspection

PRODUCT GENERAL INFORMATION
PG027-02

December 4, 2002

Title:
SUSPENSION BALL JOINT INSPECTION

Models:
See Applicable Models

Introduction

This bulletin describes the inspection method and free play specification figures for suspension ball joints. The on-vehicle inspection methods have been standardized.





Applicable Vehicles





Warranty Information














Inspection Information

On-Vehicle Inspection

NOTE:
^ Be sure to check the table for the applicable inspection type based on the vehicle model.

^ Refer to the table for the standard free play values.

1. Inspect Lower Ball Joint Free Play





A. Move the hub up and down by hand (most models with wishbone suspension):

a. Remove the tire.

b. Install the 2 lug nuts.

c. Inspect the free play while moving the lug nuts up and down at a force of 67 lbf (294 N, 30 kgf).

B. Move the lower arm using a lever (some models with double wishbone type suspension):

a. Lift up the vehicle.

b. Place the tip of the lever to the wheel and inspect the free play while moving the lower arm up and down.





C. Move the lower arm by hand (all models with strut type suspension and some models with wishbone type suspension):

a Lift up the vehicle.

b. Inspect the free play while moving the lower arm up and down at a force of 67 lbf (294 N, 30 kgf).

2. Inspect Upper Ball Joint Free Play





A. Move the upper arm by hand (models with the LOWER control arm linked by a torsion bar, and all models using a coil spring).

a. Remove the front tire.

b. Inspect the free play while moving the upper arm up and down at a force of 67 lbf (294 N, 30 kgf).

B. Move the tire with a lever (models with the UPPER control arm linked by a torsion bar).

a. Lift up the vehicle.

b. Place the lever under the tire, and inspect the tree play while lifting the tire using a wooden stick, etc., as a fulcrum.





3. Inspect the Suspension Arm Ball Joint Free Play

A. Lift up the vehicle

B. Inspect the free play while moving the control arm by hand.

(Reference)
Free Play Inspection Method (Gauge Installation)

^ Position the dial gauge between the arm (upper or lower) and the knuckle, and measure free play.





(This illustration shows how to measure free play for vehicles with double wishbone type suspension with coil spring.)

4. Inspect Ball Joint Dust Cover
Check for cracks and grease leaks on the dust cover (boots).

Turning Torque Inspection

Inspect Ball Joint Turning Torque





Move the stud back and forth 5 times, and then turn the stud continuously at 3-5 seconds per turn, and measure the turning torque at the 5th turn.

HINT:
Refer to the table for standard values for the turning torque.