Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection

SUSPENSION: FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT: INSPECTION

1. INSPECT FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT

(a) Inspect the turning torque of the ball joint.





(1) Secure the front lower ball joint in a vise using aluminum plates.

(2) Install the nut to the front lower ball joint stud.

(3) Using a torque wrench, turn the nut continuously at a rate of 3 to 5 seconds per turn and take the torque reading on the 5th turn.

Turning torque:

0.7 to 4.5 N*m (7 to 46 kgf*cm, 6.2 to 40 in.*lbf)

(4) If the turning torque is not within the specified range, replace the front lower ball joint with a new one.

(b) Inspect the dust cover.

(1) Check that the dust cover is not cracked and that there is no grease on it.