Lower Lateral Arm

1. Lift the vehicle using a frame hoist to allow the suspension to be unloaded.

2. Check the free play of the lower lateral arm ball joints following the procedure shown:

a. Place the wheels in a straight ahead direction.

b. Remove the front wheels.

c. Securely fasten the brake rotors by installing the lug nuts.





d. Affix a magnetic base dial indicator to the rotor. Place the dial indicator in a vertical position contacting the bottom center of the lower lateral arm ball joint (Figure 1).

e. Move the brake rotor and lower compression arm vertically several times by hand and read the amount of movement on the dial indicator.

3. If the free play is more than 0.5 mm (.020 in.), replace the lower lateral arm with the new arm p/n MR296295 LH or MR296296 RH, see the appropriate Service Manual (Group 2) for replacement procedures.

NOTE:
THE FREE PLAY MEASUREMENT SHOULD BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE BREAKAWAY TORQUE METHOD FOUND IN THE SERVICE MANUAL. BREAKAWAY TORQUE MAY BE DIFFICULT TO MEASURE.

4. Check the dust cover for damage.

5. If the dust cover is damaged, replace the dust cover.

6. Road test the vehicle and check if the noise still exists. If the noise still exists, proceed to the next area.